Popular Flying

July/August 2003

 

"First Production WAM-120 Flies in Customer Aircraft"

"WAM-120 production engine Serial No.2 took to the air in Thorp T211, aircraft G-TZII on May 11th at Cranfield.  The event marked a double first as it is the first customer WAM engine to fly and also the first UK kit built Thorp T211.  Four flights were completed enabling evaluation of cooling and setting of propeller pitch.  A 100 ft/min climb rate was achieved with acceptable margins on coolant and oil temperatures with the aircraft near its maximum take-off weight.  Acceleration was brisk with the Thorp airborne in only 150m.

The test pilot commented on the simplicity of operating the WAM-120 and the smooth turbine-like delivery of power.  The Thorp will now complete a 25 hour test programme before being handed back to its syndicate."