Graham Warwick/ATLANTA
THE CANADIAN developer of a revolutionary engine is seeking NASA backing to develop an aero-engine derivative. Reg Technologies has teamed with Global Aircraft to bid for a contract under NASA's General Aviation Propulsion (GAP) programme. The proposal was to be submitted in late July.
Vancouver-based Reg has been developing the Rand Cam rotary engine since 1987. In 1994, Alliant Technologies signed an agreement to develop a 95kW (125hp) diesel-powered version for auxiliary-power-unit (APU) applications. Under the new agreement, Global would design and build an aircraft to be used as an engine testbed. The Rand Cam engine has a one-piece rotor and driveshaft which spins between two fixed circumferential cams. Vanes sliding in slots in the rotor divide the spaces between the rotor and the cams into combustion chambers. As the rotor spins, each of the chambers goes through a complete four-stroke cycle, driving the rotor round.
Reg claims that the Rand Cam engine offers dramatically reduced size, weight, emissions, noise, vibration and cost, compared to a conventional piston engine. The APU version weighs 50kg, while a 750kW engine would weigh around 270kg and have a specific fuel-consumption of 0.18kg/h/kW (0.3lb/h/hp) - about half that of an equivalent turbine engine, it says.
The Reg/Global GAP bid is based on an $8.5 million programme, with $5 million for engine development and $3.5 million for the testbed. If the bid succeeds, NASA would provide half the funds. Global would arrange a $2.5 million credit line for Reg, to cover its participation, and later pay $5 million for the rights to a 750kW marine-engine version.
NASA's GAP programme is intended to develop light-aircraft engine technology to be available after the year 2000. Bids for the programme must include a plan for commercialisation of the proposed engine technology.
Reg says that a NASA contract would reduce the time required, to develop the Rand Cam technology, by providing access to technical expertise and testing equipment.
Source: Flight International
