Rotax yesterday launched their new 160-hp lightweight aero engine at Sun 'n' Fun in Florida.
Weighing only 86 kg, the turbo-charged Rotax 916iS/c is designed for four-seat aircraft and produces 160-hp at 5800 RPM and 137 hp at maximum continuous power of 5500 RPM.
For comparison, a 160-hp Lycoming O-320 weighs in around 125 kg, leading Rotax to describe the 916 as "the impossible engine".
"The launch of the 916iS/c is yet another testament to our commitment to developing ground-breaking technologies and creating the most advanced propulsion systems for our customers," said Peter Ölsinger, General Manager, BRP-Rotax, and Vice-President, Sales, Marketing & Communications, Rotax Propulsion Systems.
"For us, it was crystal clear that we had to build on the success of the 915 engine. We can now seize new opportunities in the four-seat market segment with a perfectly mature product and thus continue our steady growth of recent years.
"With the 916iS/c, we are responding to unmet customer needs and living up to the innovation philosophy of our long-standing company,"
Rotax believes the new engine will improve short-field performance and permit steeper descents, and debuted the engine in Lakeland in a CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL.
"CubCrafters and Rotax share a dedication to drive great performance through new technology innovations," said Patrick Horgan, President and CEO of CubCrafters Inc.
"Working together to develop the new Rotax 916iS/c powered Carbon Cub has been a great collaboration. We are excited to launch our latest products together and to make them available worldwide.
“The powerful and smooth single-lever operation of the Rotax 916iS/c is outstanding, bringing the latest engine technology to the Carbon Cub Family. Compatible with fuels available worldwide, our new Carbon Cub UL offers the versatility of a full-sized backcountry aircraft with amazing STOL capability and cruise performance."
The 916 engine has a TBO of 2000 hours and also has a 24-volt option available.
More information is available on the Rotax 916 website.