A common question from affordable aviation enthusiasts asks about four stroke engines, either for genuine Part 103 ultralights (available but somewhat more challenging) or for very light aircraft. Such inquiries are commonly for aircraft that have previously used a Rotax 582. The last two-stroke offered by the big Austrian engine manufacturer — builder of the ubiquitous 9-series four-stroke engines — was the Rotax 582. Producing 65 horsepower and earning a good reliability rating over many years, the 582 has been a dependable powerplant for the lightest powered aircraft that are larger and heavier than genuine Part 103 ultralights. 2020 Sensation! The one and only airshow in 2020 was the Midwest LSA Expo… about to start this week! Two years ago, in preparation for the show, Chip Erwin lit up the blogosphere with his Merlin Lite entry (image below). Here’s more about that all-metal, weight-making Part 103 aircraft (our most-read article of 2020, which was then our strongest year ever).
Four Stroke Power for Light-Sport Aircraft Aircraft? YES! …a Modern Rotax 582 Replacement
2020 Sensation!
The one and only airshow in 2020 was the Midwest LSA Expo… about to start this week! Two years ago, in preparation for the show, Chip Erwin lit up the blogosphere with his Merlin Lite entry (image below). Here's more about that all-metal, weight-making Part 103 aircraft (our most-read article of 2020, which was then our strongest year ever).Breaking the Mold?
How about this? No TBO! That's right. Chip claims you never need to overhaul your Vtwin. Why not? "Our engine replacement price is lower than the cost of most overhauls, so it is cheaper to buy a new engine."Chip Erwin is something of a perpetual-motion machine as he innovates in the very light aircraft space, by which I mean single seaters. This underserved category has a following and Chip’s order book shows strong interest. As he reveals here and as you can see in the video below, one innovation to speed kit building involves custom circuit boards that help you wire your avionics.
Cost of a Vtwin?
Aeromarine LSA is offering the Vtwin engine with reduction drive and wiring harness for $7,250. This price is for people building another aircraft or replacing a Rotax 582 on one they already own. For more details, contact Aeromarine LSA.When Chip first introduced the Merlin Lite at Midwest LSA Expo 2020 it was nothing less than a sensation, especially after it was weighed to prove it could make Part 103 (video — and, yes, it can make weight with an engine cowl that was not yet ready at the time this image was taken).
ARTICLE LINKS:
- Aeromarine-LSA contact info including lots of content about the company
- "News from the Hangar" blog
- Midwest LSA Expo event (September 8-9-10, 2022)
- Rotax Aircraft Engines
- Merlin Lite introduction (2020)