Parts  needed to convert the rotary for aircraft use goes in this order for me, based on my ability to fabricate.

1. A redrive, since I have no lathe to make my own redrive. The rotary is unsuitable for aircraft use without it, Perry Mick's ducted fan being the exception.

2. A good, compact intake manifold. I require a wrapover manifold to fit my cowl. I can't think of any aircraft that could use the stock intake manifold

3. An engine mount.

Of those three, the only one that I could not make was the redrive. If I were to pick one item that would lend itself to marketing to all aircraft builders, it would have to be a compact, wrapover manifold, since it could be used univerally. Exhaust and engine mounts are specific to each type of aircraft, redrives are available, but a complete, compact is the one item that is not available but is required for aircraft use.

After accounting for the different port types- four port or six port, a compact wrapover intake manifold could be made that could be used by any builder. If Paul's 4" box section extrusion plenum were used, the placement of the throttle body would be determined by whether the aircraft were a tractor or pusher.

So If you are polling to see which single component would be the best to focus on for manufacture, my money would go to a compact, wrapover intake manifold, with the option of front or rear throttle body placement.

Brian Trubee

 
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