Does anyone have experience with rotary powered light sport
aircraft? I know Austro makes the AE50R which from what I understand
is in the under 80 lb weight range with a "no loss lubrication
system" and is currently working on an 80 horsepower rotary to
"replace" a Rotax 912 80hp. Anyone know anything about these? Are
there other less expensive options I haven't found yet?

Jenn Kimball

Nothing certified other than the Austro Engine. Over 500 of the 50
HP versions have been sold to Alexander Schleicher  motor gliders .

LSA requires certification. There may be an LSA experimental
category. I am not really all that up on the rules.


Lots of Mazda one rotors however.

What did you hear about 80 horsepower rotary to "replace" a Rotax
912?

Paul Lamar



Interesting. They do seem like a great option for powered sailplanes.
There is an experimental LSA category, or, E-LSA as they call it.
There's also S-LSA which is "special" LSA (no idea).

I heard Austro began development of the AE80R in 2010 based on the
AE50R. The first running test was in 2013. The company says it's
supposed to weigh about 60 lbs and is marketing it toward the light
sport/microlight type aircraft market, and UAV's. Austro said
nothing about when it's going to be on the market... yet.

I'll be looking into using a Mazda one rotor for the little project
I found. :-)

Jenn Kimball

What is really sad is Austro Engines has a nice 110 HP 2 rotor that
is FAA certified. For some strange reason they refuse to sell it.
The rotor is air cooled with a fan. Not charged or oil cooled (like
Mazda). That fan HP required destroys the BSFC.

Instead Austro certified a Mercedes Bens A class European econo box
4 cylinder diesel. Same as Theilert. At TBO time you throw it away as
the FAA does not want you to go to your MB car dealer and buy parts
and over haul your diesel aircraft engine.

Austro engines is part of Diamond Aircraft and they make a twin
training aircraft. The FAA requires twin time for fledgling air line
pilots. The FAA did not specif the speed of the twin so it will putz
around at 50% power burning very little fuel :-)

Those FBO's using them for air line pilot win training purposes can
save a lot of money and make more profit. Out of 70 MPH on final for
the twin to 200 MPH in a jet on final in one easy step :-)

Claims 50% power 7.2 gallons per hour 135 KTS 155 MPH 60% power 8.8
gallons per hour 138 KTS  159 MPH 90% power 14.4 gallons per hour 163
KTS  187 MPH

135 HP each or 270 HP total

14.4 gallons is 99 pounds of diesel fuel per hour or BSFC = .4
pounds per HP hour.

50% power is 135 HP

7.2 GPH or  50 pounds of diesel fuel per hour or BSFC .37 pounds per
HP hour.

Paul Lamar

Does Austo even sell the AE50 to anyone on the open market outside of
and OEM or UAV manufacturer? I doubt the average Joe could even buy
one.

Bill rayfield

Good point. Email them and ask.

Paul Lamar


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