ULPower UL260i (english)

In France, we talk more and more about the ULPower engine. A MCR 01 is now equipped.
Maybe in england you have more informations or feedback about this UL260i?
Although it is a young engine, could it be a Rotax/Jabiru/JPX alternative?

Here it is the commercial link if you never heard about it.

Infact the manufacturer was on the stand next to mine at the PFA rally
in 2005 (I think it was 2005) and the engine looked very interesting.

It is good to see some clear photos of the installation which looks very carefully done.

I wonder what the advantages might be compared to the Rotax?
For direct drive engines I am always worried about:
1) The weight - they always seem to come out heavier than expected.
2) The noise - direct drive propellers turning at 2800 rpm tend to be noisy.
3) Performance - I think the Rotax engine performs very well, especially with the MCR tuned exhaust.

I can however understand the wish for fuel injection.

Jerry

Jerry a écrit:The weight - they always seem to come out heavier than expected.

The ULPower seems to be almost 12 kg heavier than the Rotax 912. It's not bad for the balance of our MCR 01, but it might be a little too much, isn't it?

Jerry a écrit:I can however understand the wish for fuel injection

In fact, that's the most interesting point of this engine.

Great loking aircraft and interesting engine but I also love the chrome/polished wheel pants - how where those done?

Found by jlsanto on their site:

February, 2009:
ULPower broadens its product range with new engine models coming soon.
Come and discover the new developments at Aero Friedrichshafen.

1. 
   UL350i
   3.5 litre – 120 hp
   Available from June ‘09
   
2. 
   UL260iS
   2.6 litre combined with extra power (105 hp)
   Available from April ‘09
   
3. 
   3. UL260iSa
   Aerobatic edition of the UL260iS
   Available from May ‘09
   
4. 
   UL260c and UL350c
   Carburettor equipped lower cost editions
   Available from March ‘09
   
5. 
   All models will be available with force cooling, specially designed for gyrocopter and pusher applications.
   
6. 
   We are now fully equipped to design, assemble and test engine mounts.
   

More technical data, pictures, will be available from April 1st ’09.