"Redneck Proven" ATV Engine Proves Capable in Tiny Aircraft

 Finding the right combination of horsepower, weight, durability, and affordability is a tough act to balance.

Getting all those aspects just right for your application can keep a builder up at night, not to mention the myriad of offerings smattering the interwebs confuses the choice that much more. Many have sought 2-stroke engines as the answer to light aircraft power needs, but they have their own raft of issues including reliability as the most profound.

Enter Aeromarine and their 60hp 800cc ATV derived 4-stroke v-twin.” The void in the availability of a 50-60 hp 4-stroke aircraft engine may be one reason that there are few single-seat aircraft. Rotax has reduced their offers of 2-stroke engines. And most pilots prefer 4-cycle. There are some morphing Briggs and Stratton and other lawn mower and generator engines with some good results and very low cost. But can that be done commercially and with the reliability we expect from an aircraft engine? We are sure of it.” From the company website. “We have an exclusive agreement with the manufacture of a Can-Am style V-twin engine. We have adapted a proven belt reduction drive to this engine. We have designed a custom engine mount, exhaust, and wiring harness. We even have a custom carbon propeller made to match this engine’s torque and power curve.”

Being derived from an ATV application the company believes the durability is well proven “The V-twin is ‘red-neck proven’ meaning hundreds of thousands of this engine have been manufactured and put to the test in ATVs. These 4-wheel off-road vehicles are run hard in extreme off-road conditions. They have proven themselves to be very durable and reliable. Perfect for aircraft use. Plus, this engine is very modern especially compared to nearly every aircraft engine. It has electronic ignition and fuel injection. And designed to be run at high power settings.”

Engine pricing beginning at $7500 for the base unit makes this powerplant attractive to many building small light planes that are becoming ever more popular. Combined with a purpose built propeller makes this prospect an obvious and easy choice.

FMI: www.aeromarine-lsa.com/vtwin