In an effort to keep down prices and improve aircraft performance, tailwheel aircraft manufacturer Maule Air is test flying a new version of its MX-7 Rocket light utility aircraft powered by a PZL-Franklin six-cylinder 150kW (205hp) 6A-350-C1R. The single-engined aircraft had its maiden flight this month, kick-starting the type certification process.
"The Franklin falls between our 180hp [135kW] and 235hp engines," says Maule, "and, together with the two-blade McCauley constant-speed propeller, it would be a more economical, high-performance aircraft, even with a constant-speed prop." The company has used Franklin engines in the past, "favouring them for their costs and reliability".
The engine will be offered as an alternative to the Textron Lycoming O-360. Developments under way "will further diversify the powerplant options available", adds Moultrie, Georgia-based Maule.
These include the planned development of a Teledyne Continental-powered MX-7, which will be fitted with the 164kW turbocharged TSIO-360.
Source: Flight International
