MRE-FB wrote:
Paul,
I realize that your newsletter is not a free marketing platform for
commercial companies. However, my initial announcement is resulting in
a flood of emails to me, either through you or directly to me. I don't
have yet a marketing assistant to answer that much mail. I'd love to as
they are enthusiastic and comforting messages coming from good and very
knowledgeable people. I will keep answering special questions, but I
just don't have the time to repeat over and over the same things. Would
you be kind enough to distribute the following answers to FAQ? Thanks
FAQ about MecanAir Rotary Engine SA:
1. MecanAir Rotary Engine SA (MRE) is a Swiss company founded in April
2001 and financed by private persons (you are welcome to join an
elite-group of WWII aces, aviation pioneers and industrial risk-takers).
It has taken over the rotary engine development activity of Mecanair SA,
a well-known Swiss aircraft maintenance and engine overhaul facility,
hence the name.
2. MRE is about to launch its commercial activities in North America and
Europe and, for several reasons, will change its name in the coming
weeks. Incidentally, you are all very welcome to contribute your
feedback and suggestions on this matter (see previous traffic on Paul's
newsletter). I also thank very much those of you who have already
contributed. Sorry, I cannot offer a free engine to the winner of a
sweepstake! :-)
3. MRE is in the process of creating a US distribution and client
service company, located in Daytona Beach, Florida.
4. MRE objective is to develop, CERTIFY, manufacture and market a
family of rotary aviation engines ranging from 180 through approx. 360
hp. It's ambition is to be a market leader in the GA propulsion sector
within 10 years of its founding.
5. Good news to you guys, MRE's strategy is to use the experimental
market as an experience-gathering platform, improving its products and
processes and building up its name ahead of certification. It will
market in this segment products that are certifiable if not yet
certified, save for a few possible modifications.
6. MRE will start taking orders for its 2 first models, a 2-rotor 180hp
normally aspirated model and a 220 hp turbo version, starting hopefully
at Sun'n Fun 2004 (if initial flight tests are satisfactory). These two
models are based on Mazda 13B blocks, although the company is presently
working on its own short block (necessary step towards certification).
Note that MRE's power specs are measured using the European DIN norm,
which is somewhat different from the US SAE norm. To compare apples to
apples, MRE horsepower ratings should be increased by 5-8% to be
compared with US-made engines (no guarantee as to the exact percentage).
7. The main characteristics of the present MRE engines are as follows:
- 180hp normally aspirated engine/220hp turbocharged engine
- Designed for >=3000 hour TBO
- MRE-designed planetary reducing drive, ratio 2.8231:1 (will
possibly
be changed to 2.4-2.5:1), with spare alternator belt-drive,
governor
drive and spare accessory drive.
- Single-lever operation through MRE's proprietary and fully
redundant
(electrically, electronically and mechanically redundant)
Digital Engine Management (DEM) System (standard with the
engine).
- Dual 40-70 A alternators (2nd alternator is an option in
the experimental market product configuration)
- Dual electronically controlled electric fuel pumps
- Engine mount: standard Dynafocal (identical for MRE 2-rotor
models to the one for an IO-320/360) or Continental bed-mount (with
minimal modifications)
8. MRE will sell reduction drives separately to private owners.
The sale of separate DEM-System units is being considered but not yet
decided.
9. Prices are not yet established. They will be communicated to
the readers of this newsletter as soon as available. As mentioned
previously, MRE's products are high-quality engines, designed and built
with certification and long service life in mind. MRE believes that its
products will significantly outlast its competitors (rotary or
piston...) but is aware that they may be considered expensive in
the experimental market. However, MRE will not price itself out
of the experimental market and is aware of the prices of comparable, new
aviation engine offered in that market.
An attractive "Privileged Offer" will be extended to the first 20
buyers, provided that a) they are experienced aircraft builders, b)
their aircraft project can fly before and be present at AirVenture 2005,
and c) they are willing to share flight and other data with MRE. This
offer will be composed of an attractive introductory price, free
engineering assistance for the engine installation, extended warranty
and special conditions to trade the engine in for a later MRE version.
10. MRE and its partner Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (in
charge of engine installation and flight testing) are doing their utmost
to present MRE's Piper Turbo Arrow III at Sun'n Fun 2004. The schedule
is very tight but we believe doable. Look for our Arrow on the flight
line or for us at Embry-Riddle's tent (E21-23). In any way, I shall be
personally present at SNF from Friday through Sunday and possibly
longer. Contact point will be Embry-Riddle's tent.
11. Future developments:
- 3-rotor models will probably be marketed starting in 2005
- Jet-fuel capability: it's a longer-term project we are
actively working on, as it is a most important feature in the
non-US market.
12. BTW: a firewall-forward kit exists for the Lancair 320/360 (for
our 180 hp normally aspirated model).
13. I hate to direct you to our obsolete website. We are working to
have a new one online for SNF, it was not a priority at all until now.
You can find pictures of our turbocharged engines on
www.rotary-engine.com. The one which will soon fly on the Arrow has
some modifications, but the overall aspect is the same. The datasheet
is also helpful but contains a mistake (oil cooler's capability is
wrong). The address has changed, please use the coordinates below.
Best aeronautical regards to you all,
Francois A. Badoux
CEO, MecanAir Rotary Engine SA
37, ch. Philibert-de-Sauvage
CH-1219 GENEVA/CHATELAINE
Switzerland
Tel : 011-41-22-797 43 23
Fax : 011-41-22-797 43 59
Mobile : 011-79-210 59 25
Email : mre-fb@bluewin.ch
Your success will help us all. We particularly appreciate your willingness
to sell parts. IMHO there is a strong synergy between the number of
rotary powered airplanes flying and the marketability of a firewall forward
package.
Paul Lamar
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