I would sure hate to have to change that Mistral alternator belt.
  Karibian


My own personal initial reaction to that belt was exactly the same as yours.
Mistral's answer is four-fold (from the most short-term answer to the
long-term solution):

1. Belts don't break that often anymore.  With well over 1000 hours on the
bench and over 150 on the aircraft, this particular belt has never broken on
any engine so far.

2. It takes 1 1/2hr to a factory mechanics, let's say 2-3 hrs to someone
with 2 reasonably good hands, to change that belt.  It's basically the same
as changing the alternator belt on most Lycoming.

3. Mistral is now delivering engines with a reserve belt already in place,
"hidden" within the bell-housing.

4. Mistral is developing an Integrated Starter Alternator and, if
successful, will get rid of all external alternators and their associated
belts.

Constructive criticism is welcome, it helps us design and build better
products!

Francois


The Rotary Engine NewsLetter. Powered by Linux.
ACRE NL web site. http://www.rotaryeng.net
Copyright 1998-2006 All world wide rights reserved.