Press Release

Strong interest as Wilksch Airmotive unveils new engine at PFA Rally

The annual Popular Flying Association Rally at Cranfield, held this year on 2-4 July, is a Mecca for light plane owners, and is the biggest event of its type in Europe.

This year's Rally saw Wilksch Airmotive unveil their new 'WAM-120' three cylinder engine fully installed on a Europa kit-plane. The installation is the result of a joint effort between Wilksch Airmotive and Europa Aircraft, which has resulted in a well integrated package with greatly reduced operating costs. The Europa is to fly later this year in the hands of Ivan Shaw, the founder and chief executive of Europa Aircraft.

The three day event brought representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry to view the WAM-120. The DTI's Aerospace and Defence Industries Directorate has approved funding of over £300,000 to assist with the development and testing of the Wilksch 'CITEC' engine family, and formal acceptance of the Grant took place at the Rally. Together with funds raised through a share issue, this Grant will enable the technology to mature rapidly over the next two years.

The Minister for Science and Technology, John Battle MP, commented "Britain is a leading player in the aerospace industry, with world beating companies producing world-beating products. In order to maintain a competitive edge, we must invest in tomorrow's technology. I am pleased to be able to support this initiative and wish the company every success with developing its future generations of light aircraft engines".

The Wilksch project is only the second 'SMART+' Grant to be awarded, the first having been won by Europa Aviation. The achievements of the two Companies represent something of a renaissance in the light aircraft business in the UK. Both Wilksch and Europa attribute part of this success to the existence of a sound regulatory structure operated through the PFA's Engineering Department. This permits cost-effective innovation while ensuring high standards of airworthiness.

8 July 1999