Pilot

March 2002

 

"NEWS IN BRIEF"

"Wilksch Airmotive is working on a conversion that will allow straightforward installation of their WAM-120 engine in the popular new RV-9 aircraft. Van’s Aircraft is assisting with technical data. Mark Wilksch, Managing Director of Wilksch Airmotive said: “We are very excited about working with Van’s on the RV-9 conversion. The airframe and engine are ideally suited."

 

"Wilksch developing RV-9 diesel installation"

"Wilksch Airmotive is working on a conversion that will allow straightforward installation of its WAM-120 aero-diesel in the popular new RV-9 kitbuilt aircraft. Van's Aircraft Inc is assisting with technical data. A UK-manufactured firewall-forward kit will provide a new engine mount, cowling, silencer, intake and fuel and cooling systems parts. The WAM-l 20-powered RV-9, which is aimed primarily at European builders, will be offered from the outset with a variable-pitch propeller and lightweight hydraulic constant-speed unit. Engine installation costs are expected to be no more than for the Textron Lycoming O-320.

Mark Wilksch, MD of Wilksch Airmotive told Pilot, "We are very excited about working with Van's on the RV-9 conversion. The airframe and engine are ideally suited. Both WAM and Van's use CAD/CAM techniques, and by working with accurate digital data we expect to offer a high quality installation kit."

For homebuilders installing conventional four-cylinder Lycomings in their RV-6s, -7s and -9s, Van's Aircraft Inc has introduced a new Firewall Forward Kit that contains virtually every necessary item, including oil cooler, induction air filter box, baffling, hoses, fittings and clamps. Kits are available for both fixed-pitch and constant-speed propellers, and priced 'well below the cost of buying the parts individually', says the company."