ROTARY ENGINE CERTIFICATION EYED
(http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/avflash/1346-full.html#200088)
Rotary engines have been around for decades in experimental
applications but MISTRAL, a European company is targeting early 2010
for FAA type certification of a 300-horsepower normally aspirated
rotary that it claims will "bridge the gap" between piston and turbine
power for GA. The company had its products on display at AERO
Friedrichshafen and explained that rotary engines "take the best" from
piston and turbine designs. The company, which has a U.S. subsidiary
in Deland, Fla., says rotaries will run happily on mogas or avgas,
will have a 3,000-hour TBO and run quieter than either piston or
turbine engines. Digital engine management will maximize efficiency
the company says.

Matt Prather