HKS Out of the Aircraft Engine Business!

[fgayford]

I just today heard the news today. Feels like a big kick in the privates. I was planning big time on getting a turbo version.
Guess I am glad it happened before I bought one, if later, I would be just mad.
So whats my option now? Will my JT2 take a Rotax 912? Is the planes airframe around the motor mounts strong enough?
Will my weight and balance be OK? Perhaps Mark can answer these questions for all of us. (thanks in advance Mark)
Well one thing is for sure Rotax looks like it isn't going anywhere soon. They now are dominant!
Fred

[earthstaraircraft]

Hi
The JT2 fuselage is strong enough to support the 912s but the wing is designed for 120 VNE and 900 lb gross weight. The weight and balance will require a lot of led in the nose, it has been done before but if you can find a used HKS 700 E you will have a much better airplane! This is what it was designed for.
HKS engines are the best!!
We should be flying electric!
Happy Flying
Mark

Sent from my iPhone

[gjcarter34]

I've owned 6 HKS engines and I think you'll be hard pressed to find a higher quality manufactured light aircraft engine. With parts availability the used 700e should be in high demand.

[bruce.markle]

Gents –

Some similar motors that could fill the HKS gap; obviously not as mature, but other 4 strokes similar in weight and HP…





<https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=ht ... wAA&iact=c> https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/imag ... ElPDdE4SxD

HKS reference – 60 HP; 121 lbs





<https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=ht ... wAQ&iact=c> https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/imag ... HlISOg0VZA

D Motor LF26; 89 HP; 126 lbs with liquids; $$don’t ask

http://www.d-motor.eu/nl/specifications-38.htm







090800-008 Web.jpg (4943 bytes)

Hexatron Hexadyne P-60; 60 HP; 98 lbs; $9K

http://www.hexatronengineering.com/prod02.htm





I have seen the D-motor at Sun-N_Fun; it’s real. Don’t know about the Hexatron…



What other options do you guys know about?

[dunceeconometrics]

I am curious about the 3 cylinder Geo motor. Has anyone tried it on a TGull? It's at the upper end of sensible weight. But quite fuel efficient and inexpensive to acquire.

file://localhost/Users/john/Desktop/RavenRedriveJPG.tiff

[dunceeconometrics]

I am curious about the 3 cylinder Geo motor. Has anyone tried it on a TGull? It's at the upper end of sensible weight. But quite fuel efficient and inexpensive to acquire. 58 HP, dry weight 118.


http://www.raven-rotor.com/html/redrive.html http://www.raven-rotor.com/html/redrive.html

[bruce.markle]

On the Geo motor, Looks like they have a “100 ULS” model listed at 112 lb. Looks like all their weights are without radiator. The latest World Directory of Light Aircraft lists this engine as $5,495.



The web site on the Hexatron motor was basically stuck in 2001; so it’s likely history. They do, however, still exist in some fashion, as the phone number works and the answering machine confirmed the company’s name. Will give them a try during the work week and ask about the engine.



**************************************************



If you want to consider a Wankel 4 cycle;



The Aixro XF40 is a little too small (36 HP; 41 lbs – how about a twin?)

<http://www.woelfle-engineering.com/Prod ... es_en.html> https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/imag ... RQtisanAVi

http://www.woelfle-engineering.com/Prod ... es_en.html





Then there is the Austro, the books say 2 versions; 55 HP at 62 lbs; and 75 HP at 73 lbs.

But they have a new one out that is 80 HP at 60 lbs with a better (non-loss) oil system:

<http://austroengine.at/en/service/service-bulletins1> http://austroengine.at/uploads/resample ... easer1.png

http://austroengine.at/en/home1

09. Jan. 2013

Austro Engine successfully tested brandnew rotary engine AE80R

On the 8th of January 2013 the engine AE80R which is in development since 2.5 years successfully performed on the Austro Engine test bench. As a final target it will have a weight of 27 kg with an output of 80 hp (58 kw).

Compared to the AE50R (55 PS Austro Engine rotary engine) the new engine has no loss lubrication system anymore which results in an extremely low oil consumption. A dual FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) controlled fuel injection system will keep fuel consumption on the lowest possible level. The engine is designed to power small manned or unmanned aircraft.

According to Christian Dries, Chairman and Owner Diamond Aircraft, the AE80R might has the potential to become one of the leader in the extremely weight sensitive market of LSA (Light Sport Aircraft) and ultra-light aircraft. “The engine has no vibration and therefore it is ideal to power UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) with highly sensitive equipment” he added.

[blaswichk]

I saw a 3-cylinder Geo engine mounted on a Kolb, and it stuck waaay up in the air where the 503 sits pretty much the way it does on our airplanes. I also saw (in a photo) the Suzuki 4-cylinder mounted on a Titan, and it stuck waaay up in the air. The biggest problem is the oil pan, not being dry sump in can’t be removed to give more bottom clearance. The other thing being an overhead camshaft engine, the valve cover sticks up quite high, and don’t even try and compare weights to HKS or Rotax. Oh, on the Kolb it’s been removed and replaced with a 4 cylinder opposed Hirth 2-stroke, that is much lighter and lower. Just my humble .02.

[dunceeconometrics]

Thanks Kess. The Raven redrive website has a 3 cyl geo on it's side with a dry sump attachment. Looks good and it looks to fit the same profile as an HKS or other opposed engine. Parameters are in the range at 58 HP and 112 lbs, but I am assuming bloat will push it past 140 lbs. I don't have a line in the sand but I'm pretty sure whatever line I have is under 140 lbs. I am pretty committed to an HKS. I guess it will just have to be a used one.

[dunceeconometrics]

Kess, I saw your drawing of the fifteen gallon Titan fuel tank on the Titan site. Do you have 15 in your TGull?