Austria's BRP-Powertrain is expanding its Rotax family of piston engines with the launch of its turbocharged 915iS. The four-stroke, four-cylinder powerplant is designed, says the Gunskirchen–based company, to help it expand its share of the general aviation aircraft market beyond the ultra-light and light-sport aircraft sectors. BRP's Rotax engines currently dominate these, powering over 80% of the fleets.
“The more powerful 915iS is specifically requested by our customers,” says company vice-president and general manager Thomas Uhr. “It opens the way for larger, heavier aircraft and even small helicopters, or simply more performance for current applications.”
The 135hp, turbocharged 915 is a follow-up to the three-year-old 912iS. It features a reinforced crankshaft, newly designed pistons and a turbocharger. To handle the higher torque, the 915iS will also feature a new gearbox. Dry weight is expected to be about 84kg (185lb) and the engine will operate on high-octane mogas.
The 915iS has a Rockwell Collins dual-channel engine control unit, with an integrated turbocharging controller and a redundant fuel injection system. Serial production is expected to begin in the second half of 2017, says BRP.
Source: Flight International
