Today's Pilot

July 2003

 

First Flight Production WAM-120"

"Wilksch Airmotive WAM-120 production engine Serial No.2 took to the air in Thorp T211, aircraft G-TZII, for the first time on May 11.  Four flights were completed from Cranfield, Beds, enabling cooling and setting of the propeller pitch to be evaluated.  A 1000ft/min climb rate was achieved with acceptable margins on coolant and oil temperatures ant the aircraft near its maximum take-off weight.  Acceleration was brisk and the Thorp was 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 patented MCU (Mechanical Control unit) enabled the fuel system to achieve a stable, idle and easy engine control during all phases of flight.

The Chief Engineer of WAM partner, Bonus Aviation, Kerry Ashcroft, was particularly pleased at having achieved a double first by signing off the first production WAM-120 engine installation as well as the first UK kit-built Thorp T211 airframe. The Thorp will now complete a 25-hour test programme before being handed back to its syndicate."