Flight International

July 2002

 

"Wilksch wins enough orders to begin WAM-120 production"

"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 he 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."

* this has been reported in error. The WAM-120 is not an "adapted automotive engine"