Press Release

Vans Aircraft assist Wilksch Airmotive
with WAM-120 installation for RV-9

Wilksch Airmotive is working on a conversion that will allow straight-forward installation of their WAM-120 engine in the popular new RV-9 aircraft. Vans Aircraft are assisting with technical data.

With its advanced new wing section the RV-9 achieves an excellent balance of short field performance and efficient cruise. The availability of a turbine fuelled variant is expected to add to this appeal in European countries where Jet-A1 fuel is 3-4 times cheaper than Avgas.

A UK manufactured firewall-forward kit will provide a new mount frame, cowling, silencer, intake and fuel and cooling systems parts. The WAM-120 powered RV-9 will be offered from the outset with a variable pitch propeller and light weight hydraulic CSU. Engine installation costs are expected to be no more than for the O-320 engine.

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

Ken Scott of Vans Aircraft said:
"Vans are watching with great interest the steady progress being made by Wilksch Airmotive. Reduced operating costs for our European customers will be a real welcome development."

17January 2002