Ultralight Engine Options

[Mr_Intensity]

I would have posted this in the Homebuilt Forum, but I figured that since I am asking about an Ultralight engine, I should post here.

I have a set of Affordaplane plans. The plans show a Rotax 477 engine mount, but I understand that Rotax (along with everyone else) has gotten out of the 2-stroke Ultralight (UL) engine business. A 1/2 VW is a possibility, but I'm not sold on it.

What is current "state of the art" in UL engines? What do UL manufacturers currently use on their new products, and what do UL builders put on the airframe of their ULs?

Is there still a 60-ish pound, 40-ish (or better) HP engine out there in the new market? I'm not opposed to used. I just want manufacturer support for my engine, if I need it.

Thanks in advance.

John

[1600vw]

As this thread, ultralights in America are dead. There are a few building them, legal eagle and belite but that's about it. Even a quicksilver with a 447 is over the 254 lbs limit. But it does look like an ultralight so no one says anything.
You will find trying to meet the par 103 regs in the USA is going to be tough using anything but a single cylinder engine. Ultralight engines are as dead as the ultralight, in the USA with our regs the way they are.


Tony

[Mr_Intensity]

Tony - Thanks for replying.

Part 103 is not that important to me. I hold a Private Pilot license, so I can simply register as an Experimental/Amateur Built, give it an N-number, and be on my way.

The issue, of course, being the engine. Your smallest homebuilt engine is probably too big for the Aplane. 1/2 VW is iffy.

After posting, I finally remembered Hirth Engines. I googled Hirth, and found a U.S. distributer in Tiffin, OH (http://www.recpower.com). The 2702 comes in a little fat at 70 lbs, free air cooling (even heavier w/the gearbox or forced air), but may be doable @ 40HP.

[1600vw]

I owned a 2702. Be very careful here. These had a bearing issue. The new Hirth water cooled engines are nice but the early Hirth's had bearing issue's.

Tony

[George Sychrovsky]

There has never been 60-ish pound, 40-ish (or better) HP engine produced
Your choice beside Rotax which you can still easily get as used is currently produced Hirth or MZ by Compact Radial Engines

[1600vw]

Compact radial out of Canada...I would run from this company. The down fall to this company is...Leon the owner. I could give you all the details but this is another story.

Tony

[zaitcev]

1/2 VW is iffy.

I see Tony isn't biting, but what's iffy about 1/2 WV? If you listen to Sam or any other Legal Eagle flier, 1/2 WV is the best engine ever made.

[1600vw]

I do like the 1/2 vw or the vw line of aviation engines. I would never pass up a 4 stroke.

Tony

[Sam Buchanan]

I see Tony isn't biting, but what's iffy about 1/2 WV? If you listen to Sam or any other Legal Eagle flier, 1/2 WV is the best engine ever made.

Don't know about "best engine ever made", but the 1/2 VW is an excellent option for a plane that can use a direct drive engine.