Kit Planes

May 2000

 

"A new diesel engine flies."

By Keith Beveridge

"A new engine technology called CITEC (compression ignition turbo exhaust charged) recently flew in a Europa kit airplane in the United Kingdom. The three-cylinder, two-stroke diesel engine was developed by Wilksch Airmotive, Ltd. in England.

Its first flight was on December 31, 1999) with rest pilot Graham Singleton at the controls. Wilksch Managing Director Mark Wilksch says that the engine performed 'faultlessly' with Singleton reporting a smooth delivery of power and low levels of cockpit noise and vibration.

The Wilksch CITEC combines new technologies with a two-stroke, diesel-style operating cycle. A four-stroke-style, multi-valve cylinder head optimizes valve timing and allows a turbocharger to provide scavenging and boost over tile entire power range1 the company says. The two-stroke engine cycle allows high power without the need for a reduction drive.

Unlike a typical two-stroke engine, the CITEC technology doesn't use roller bearings, crankcase compression or oil-in-the-fuel lubrication.

The CITEC engine powering the Europa is the 120-hp, three-cylinder WAM 120. "Squeezing our WAM-1 20 into a pocket rocker like the Europa has been a challenge - but one that results in a light, compact installation. This new powerplant choice will add a whole new dimension to the Europa," Wilksch says.

Wilksch four- and five-cylinder engines will follow, allowing rated outputs up to 250 hp, the company says. For more information, contact Wilksch Airmotive, 12 Partisan Ln., Woolstone, Milton Keynes, Bucks MKI5 OAX, United Kingdom; call

+44-(0)1908-392003, fax +44-(0)1908-691619), www.wilksch.com.