Paul,

I am pretty sure I will build my next plane. I like the RV-10 but in
searching for RV info, I somehow managed to run across your website about
the rotary engine. I notice two interesting things. You were running
Linux and promoting Wankel engines. An interesting combination.

I am in total agreement on the pit falls of the conventional
reciprocating engine and the advantages of the rotary engine. I do
believe the rotary is a viable solution to many of our vehicular power
plant problems.  Please answer me why we (I mean the automotive industry
other than Mazda) does not seem fit to embrace the turbine or rotary
concept?

Also why doesn’t RV or other kit plane manufactures embrace and/or
provide a firewall forward kit using the rotary?

Regards,

Tim Nash

Washington DC region

It has features the auto industry does not need or want. Mainly the capability
of running at full power indefinitely. Piston auto engines by contrast
are light duty engines designed to run at low power indefinitely and wear out
after 200,000 miles or so. This was just happenstance on the part of Mazda.

The auto industry is unlikely to go to turbines because of the high cost
of turbine type metals required and the near impossibility of improving
the low power fuel consumption of a turbine engine.

The  current Mazda rotary engine is not as fuel efficient as a piston engine
at low power levels typical of automotive use. This could change
if Mazda adopts my 2 1/2 rotor RX8 engine concept on the web site below.
It is very fortunate indeed that there are enough people in the
world willing to continue to buy rotary engine powered cars.

It makes a better aircraft engine than automotive engine or any piston engine
for that matter because the fuel efficiency is near the same as an aircraft
piston engine at aircraft engine power levels while it will out last a piston
engine up to ten to one. It has the big advantage  of running on low cost auto
fuel while most modern aircraft piston engines require far more expensive 100 LL.

The third thing to consider is the zillions of dollars the auto industry has
invested in the piston engine manufacturing infrastructure.

Richard Van is making money selling Lycomings. Before he had that
deal he was really interested in Mazda rotaries :)

Paul Lamar

Paul,

First, thanks for the great service that is this newsletter system!

Second, I have been the proud owner of three RX-7's, and have always thought
they would make great aircraft engines.  I am so enthused that there are
people like you, Tracy, and Dave doing so much for those of us who will
follow.

I just bought a 13B out of an '86 to tear down and educate myself a little
further.  I am going to run a rotary, probably a Renesis, in my RV-7.

Thanks again!

Chad Jensen
IL