Wilksch Airmotive is to start production next month of the 90kW (120hp) WAM-120 three-cylinder, two-stroke diesel engine as its orderbook reaches the 40-engine mark.
Deliveries will start next month with a Thorp T211 owner as launch customer, who will receive the final prototype engine. However, most installations of the adapted automotive engine will be on the Europa kitplane. Like other diesel cycle engines, the WAM-120 will run on jet fuel.
UK-based Wilksch says the two-stroke diesel cycle means the turbo-charged in-line inverted engine meets power requirements of light aircraft without the weight associated with reduction gears or electronic controls.
Company chairman Mark Wilksch says a final investment of £25,000 ($37,000) is likely to be received by the end of the month. The company needed £900,000 to start production and received a third of that from the UK's trade ministry. Wilksch took its fortieth order for the WAM-120 last week and has also taken the first order for the four-cylinder 120kW WAM-160.
Source: Flight International
