Pilottonny
Well Known Member
Hello fellow builders,
I just had a pleasant telephone conversation with the OEM-Manager from Thielert Aircraft engines.
He explained to me that Thielert will not sell their 135 HP diesel engine to individuals. They can only supply engines via the manufacturers (i.e. Cessna, Piper, etc.) Also for kit aircraft they would only sell if the kit manufacturer would develop a FWF-kit together with them. He told me that there have been contacts between Thielert and Vans in the past and that they are willing to work with Vans, but at the moment Vans have not taken it any further.
To develop an engine kit for the RV9 they would supply a dummy-engine and their expertise to Vans, who would have to develop an engine mount, cowl, etc. After that has been done, Thielert would change the dummy for an airworthy engine and do the testing and further setting-up together with Vans in The States. After the FWF-kit is finalized, which they reckon would take approx. ? to ? year in total they would be able to supply complete engine kits, ready to install, within 4 weeks after ordering.
So, the only way we will be able to fly with a Thielert diesel in our RV?s, is if we pressure Vans in getting together again with Thielert and develop the kit. Are there enough builders interested, who could persuade Vans to go through this procedure? Does anybody know if Vans is already talking to anybody else, regarding a Diesel FWF-kit? Wilksch is developing FWF-kits for their 120 HP and 160 HP Diesels on their own, but that will take some time yet before they are finished, I believe.
Regards, Tonny
I just had a pleasant telephone conversation with the OEM-Manager from Thielert Aircraft engines.
He explained to me that Thielert will not sell their 135 HP diesel engine to individuals. They can only supply engines via the manufacturers (i.e. Cessna, Piper, etc.) Also for kit aircraft they would only sell if the kit manufacturer would develop a FWF-kit together with them. He told me that there have been contacts between Thielert and Vans in the past and that they are willing to work with Vans, but at the moment Vans have not taken it any further.
To develop an engine kit for the RV9 they would supply a dummy-engine and their expertise to Vans, who would have to develop an engine mount, cowl, etc. After that has been done, Thielert would change the dummy for an airworthy engine and do the testing and further setting-up together with Vans in The States. After the FWF-kit is finalized, which they reckon would take approx. ? to ? year in total they would be able to supply complete engine kits, ready to install, within 4 weeks after ordering.
So, the only way we will be able to fly with a Thielert diesel in our RV?s, is if we pressure Vans in getting together again with Thielert and develop the kit. Are there enough builders interested, who could persuade Vans to go through this procedure? Does anybody know if Vans is already talking to anybody else, regarding a Diesel FWF-kit? Wilksch is developing FWF-kits for their 120 HP and 160 HP Diesels on their own, but that will take some time yet before they are finished, I believe.
Regards, Tonny
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