I am interested in using two small turbos to boost power on my cozy 4
rx8 engine. It means I might be able to fit them rearward towards the
prop. keeping the heat away from all radiators. So I looked at
Aerocharger stuff again.

Aerocharger sells to our military and shows on their website an aircraft
rotary design using their turbo.
http://www.aerocharger.com/military_app.php

Possibly this is ground covered already, but I haven't seen this unit
discussed here over the past 10 months.

Ed Carver


That looks like a one rotor Midwest/Austro engine. That could also
be an LSA size rotary engine generating 100 HP if the rotor cooling is
adequate.

Clever idea cantilevering the turbo charger shaft.
Bearing heat and lubrication are always issues with
turbo chargers.

Also clever is using SS for the compressor/turbine wheel as it cuts
the heat transfer from the turbine to the compressor. The larger
inter cooler required removes the extra heat. I would think that
would be an advantage if one were trying to run diesel fuel in a
low compression rotary.

Looks like Pandora's box of possibilities.
http://www.aerocharger.com/kits_porsche_930.php

Thanks for uploading that Ed.

Paul Lamar

Paul,

Do you have a list of rotary engine manufactures usable in the Sport
Aircraft hp range (~ 40-100hp) ?  You identified this engine as a 40 hp
Midwest/Austro engine.  Just wondering who all the rotary players are in
this hp range?  I'd really like to try a rotary engine in a PPC.  Thanks.

Tom
PPC Sport Pilot


There are not many. Austro Engines a division of Diamond is not selling
single engines as far as I know.

http://www.austroengine.at/?changelang=2

They have sold 500 single rotor engines
to Alexander Schleicher  for use in motor gliders.
http://www.alexander-schleicher.de/produkte/ash26/ash26_main_e.htm

"However, 10 years of operating experience with hundreds of such drive units all over the world has already earned this power plant an enviable reputation for reliability and dependability. Contrary to conventional 2-stroke technology it is not subject to a time limit and it is also not necessary to dismantle the engine for an inspection after 6 years. Instead, after 150 engine hours (1800 launches of 5 minutes each) only a detailed external inspection is necessary which includes a examination of the combustion chamber through the exhaust outlet. Provided no wear is found on the rotor seals the engine can be operated for another 150 hours up to its total design life of 1000 hours. All in all, the rotary engine and drive assembly are a huge step forward in terms of maintenance, power to weight ratio, reliability, fuel consumption, noise emission, power output, ease of operation and pilot comfort."

If you are not an OEM I don't think Austro  will sell you an engine.
It is still worth a try however. They also have a nice 100 HP two rotor
that is certified.

AIXRO is probably easier to deal with. They have a 40 or 50 horse single
rotor engine and are working a 80 to 100 HP two rotor available any moment.
http://www.woelfle-engineering.com/


Then there is the 120 HP one rotor Mazda option from
Daryl Drummond <fastrotary@mac.com>
To get the firewall forward weight below 200 pounds you will need
the Racing Beat aluminum end housings.

http://www.racingbeat.com/RX7-1975-1985/Rotor-Intermediate-Housings.html

"Aluminum Front Side Housing  74-85 Engines
Flame Sprayed Aluminum Front Side Housing 1974-85 - We offer a series of Aerospace Grade A356 aluminum alloy side housings to replace many of the heavier, cast iron stock assemblies found on all 1974 and later 12A, 13B, 20B, and 13G engines."


Paul Lamar