Paul,

I'm curious about what you see as the future for rotary engines.  Any New Year Resolutions for the site?

LeRoy Grubbs



LeRoy Grubbs
CEO
Advanced Business Computing, Inc
Houston TX
832-630-5384

I see an unlimited future for light aircraft. As soon as Doug gets the
turbo compound working it will remove the last objection people
have for the rotary. Namely about 5% higher fuel burn. The turbo compound
will be 15% lower fuel burn than any gas piston engine. Turbo compounds
have been proven impractical for piston engines as the exhaust valves come apart
and take out the turbine. The rotary of course has no exhaust valves.
The TC version will compete up to 600 or 800 HP in 3 or 4 rotor form  with small
turbines due to much lower fuel burn and better high altitude power.

As far as power to weight ratio it is on a par right at the moment with A/C
engines despite its cast iron end housings and PSRU. As soon as aluminum end
housings are developed it will have a significant power to weight ratio
advantage. The TBO will also be 50% to 100% longer. Nobody has warn
one out in A/C service yet.

As far as car rotaries are concerned turbo compound could be developed
for them as well. The current RX8 engine is short on low speed torque but that
will be fixed when the Mazda 16B comes out in the RX8 in a year or two.


Paul Lamar ...No rotor no motor.

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