1 September 2005
The first WAM-100 customer flew today in Pietenpol Aircamper G-BUXK. Three test flights were completed following initial ground runs and system checks.
A few minutes flying in Thorp G-TZII with Mark Wilksch was all that was required to familiarise the test pilot, Keith Matcham with the WAM engine handling and CI-Log engine monitor.
After flying the "WAM-Camper", Keith had nothing but praise for the "set and forget" WAM-100 and after minor changes to the aircraft's pitch trim declared himself happy with the aircraft's performance and handling.
Engine cooling was excellent and speeds were typical of other Pietenpols at the power settings used, there seeming to be no technical requirement to cowl the engine.
The flights were also noteworthy for their lack of noise, the aircraft being barely noticeable while cruising by at 1500ft.
The aircraft will now complete a 5 hour test programme before its owners, Brien and Ian get their hands on it for some fun autumn touring!
See pictures and video clip.
31 July 2005
WAM had a very busy RSA Rally at Nevers in central France.
Mark Wilksch, John Murray and Philippe Berjaud manned the stand and took a lot of enquiries, many for the popular Jodel series of aircraft.
Mark Wilksch flew the WAM-Thorp down from Cranfield recording a fuel consumption of only 14 litres/hour, allowing a 400 mile range with a hour's fuel reserve, something no other Thorp can achieve.
Click here for pictures.
12 July 2005
WILKSCH AIRMOTIVE RELEASES WAM-100 ENGINE AT FLYING FOR FUN - KEMBLE UK
Wilksch Airmotive announced a WAM-100 variant of their modular engine range.
The new member of the family is a three cylinder engine like the WAM-120 but has a smaller intercooler and radiator and reduced weight.
The first WAM-100 is already installed on a Pietenpol Aircamper. The WAM-100 has been released to meet demand from owners of aircraft such as the Pietenpol and other Cub-like classics and replicas as well as the the D11 series Jodels and Condors.
The WAM-100 price is £800 less than the WAM-120.
See WAM-100.
30 June 2005
INDUS STUDIES WAM POWERED T211 FOR INDIAN MARKET
Indus Aviation is studying a WAM powered version of its T211 aircraft. This will complement its O-200 and Jabiru powered versions with a view to Indian DGAC approval for the Indian market where a diesel/Jet-A1 burning aircraft will be a big advantage.
See Press Coverage.
27 June 2005
Brien Nelson has now completed the WAM engine installation on his Aircamper G-BUXK.
The engine behaved faultlessly during its first test runs and Brien expects to burn Jet-A1 fuel at between 8 and 10 litres/hour while admiring the countryside. With a second tank fitted in the wing, duration is expected to exceed six hours. Brien is planning some long range flights for G-BUXK.
Further pictures are posted at http://www.pietenpolclub.co.uk/.
Brien can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
26 June 2005
Mark Wilksch will be speaking about recent progress with the WAM Engine production facility at Dursley. Go to http://www.flyingforfun.net/Activities.htm, "Forum 2" for further details.
June 2005
Mark Wilksch attended the opening of Indus Aviation Academy in Bangalore, Southern India. India has Avgas prices 3-4 times higer than JET-A1 fuel, as well as Avgas availability problems. WAM engines are expected to sell well in the burgeoning Indian GA market. The first Indian manufactured Thorp airframes are now being assembled and a "tropical" cooling pack will be developed for the WAM-120 installation on the Thorp. Installation engineering and test flying will be conducted in Bangalore. Demand for both flying training and private flying is growing rapidly in India.
May 2005
Wilksch Airmotive will once again be at the Popular Flying Association's major annual event, "Flying For Fun". The event will be held at Kemble airfield from 1st to 3rd July 2005, and Wilksch Airmotive will be at stands 91-93.
More information can be found at www.flyingforfun.net.
April 2005
WAM AT THE LONDON AIR SHOW
Mark Wilksch gave presentations on WAM engines and the history of aircraft piston engines since their early links with automotive technology of the early 1900s.
He provided an insight into the tradeoffs involved between weight, engine efficiency and payload/range.
Wilksch Airmotive displayed WAM-120 and WAM-160 engines as well as the CI-Log engine monitor system.
February 2005
Long EZ G-LEZE has completed its first WAM-120 engine test runs at Roger Target Sailplane Services. This allowed check of fuel, cooling and CI-Log systems all of which were satisfactory.
January 2005
WAM-120 Engine No. 4 has been removed from test bed aircraft Thorp G-TZII and replaced by Engine No. 11 after approximately 200 hours flying. The new engine is fitted with a new compact exhaust system designed to fit installations on the Thorp and Europa aircraft. The WAM air-bleed system is also being fitted, eliminating the need for a dry air pump for gyro instruments.