Engine manufacturer Rotax will cease production of its iconic 582 UL two-stroke motor before the end of the year.
The 582 has powered more than 170 aircraft types since its introduction in 1989 and over 30,000 have been put into service in mainly ultralight and weight-shift designs, including the Airborne XT, FlySynthesis Wallaby, Quicksilver GT500 and TL Ultralights Typhoon.
Rotax said the decision was taken in late July because the market had transitioned to almost 100% four-stroke.
“The Rotax 582 UL engine is the last two-stoke aircraft engine in series production and was definitely part of our company success in the past,” said Peter Oelsinger, General Manager BRP-Rotax.
“The decision, however, reflects the market reality. Almost 100% of the customers demand four-stroke aircraft engines; a demand that we can definitely fulfill with our range of innovative and high-quality four-stroke aircraft engines."
The Rotax 582 UL will still be available through distributors as long as stocks last. Rotax will continue to provide technical service for all existing Rotax 582 UL customers and aims to provide spare parts up to 10 years after production ceases.