Rotax Raises The SportAv Powerplant Bar... In A Big Way

Rotax is the engine of choice for the low and slow light sport type aircraft… Right? While at EAA AirVenture 2015, ANN News Editor, Tom Patton, talked with Dean Vogel, who is the technology director for Lockwood Aviation. Tom and Vogel are found standing next to the new Rotax 915 iS engine, and Vogel says low and slow is not where this engine belongs.

The Rotax 915 iS is a work-in-progress to develop a new 135 horsepower turbocharged, fuel injected engine. Vogel says the engine is designed to maintain a continuous run at 127 horsepower and, because of the turbocharging, it will hold that power at high altitudes.

Vogel compares the power capability of this engine to the Lycoming 0-235, but with the added capability of being turbocharged to provide high cruise speeds at the higher altitudes. As you look at the engine in this video you’ll recognize the Rotax lineage, but it does look different.

Vogel tells us it can prove to be an ideal choice for powering numerous amateur built experimental aircraft that are looking to achieve high performance at high-altitude with the advantage of the low Rotax weight and fuel consumption.

The video provides a great look at the engine, and Tom’s questions provide the answers to questions you would have asked if you were there.

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