dark light

Pietenpol Aircamper with Diesel Engine

http://www.wilksch.com/

So how do we feel about new engine design with old technology? I think the inline design holds true to thje original and hold promise should the DH Gispy design suddenly end up unviable. Heresy I know to mention here but still better a flyer than a relic…

Member for:

19 years 1 month

Posts:

10

Send private message

By: KZ8 - 27th January 2006 at 23:40

They got the Cub flying from Enstone with their first engine, a two-cylinder unit.

Lots of interest among homebuilders, and a retrofit Cessna conversion would be nice too.

KZ8

Member for:

19 years 1 month

Posts:

604

Send private message

By: GASML - 27th January 2006 at 18:15

Mark Wilksch is actually an Aussie!

Having met him a few times at Finmere and Bicester, I can confirm he’s an all-round good egg. Good luck to him with this.

His first diesel engine installation was actually on a J3 Cub, but I don’t think they got to fly that, befoe they started installing them on Europas, Thorps and things. That Pietenpol looks a jolly nice bit of kit too.

Member for:

19 years 1 month

Posts:

2,569

Send private message

By: BlueRobin - 27th January 2006 at 16:30

Have you considered that the Wilksch is a British engine! 😉

Member for:

19 years 1 month

Posts:

1,448

Send private message

By: Auster Fan - 27th January 2006 at 16:07

I must admit that a similar thought had crossed my mind, particularly where Austers are concerned. Aside from the Mark IV/V and the odd marks that had American engines to start with, I’ve always wondered what suitable in-line replacement could be had once the Cirrus and Gipsy engines reached the end of their useful lives. Admittedly, I’d rather see one with a Lycoming etc if it meant that an airframe could stay airworthy, but I tend to think it spoils the lines somewhat.

Sign in to post a reply