Kawasaki Aero Engines

[djb623]

New here. I am in the beginning stages of planning out a Bearhawk 5 build, and during my research I came across some information regarding new Kawasaki engines coming to market. It was recently announced at AERO FRIEDRICHSHAFEN in Germany, and hasn’t received too much press yet. Wanted to share it here with everyone, and get your thoughts and opinions.

Inline 4’s and 6’s to start. NA and Turbo Charged. 117/200hp on the 4 ( NA and Turbo) and 240/375hp on the 6. Seems like possibly a good alternative to Rotax on the lower end and fills a needed spot with the 6s.

Max continuous on the 6 is rated at 350. Seems like it might be a good fit for the Bearhawk 5 if it doesn’t suffer from the same issues as the Apex Conversions.

Here’s a link to the press release. IMG_3081.jpghttps://www.global-kawasaki-motors.com/aero-piston-engines/

[djb623]

Also here is the downloadable flyer they have on the website so you don’t have to fill out your information. I reached out to them to see if they plan on making these available to the US experimental market prior to getting their certification.

Regardless, I feel like it’s good to have another player in the market, especially with a big name like Kawasaki. I am sure there will be some of the “aviation tax” markups that we are all use to paying, but I am hopeful that because a lot of the R&D has already been done building these engines for other purposes, Kawasaki might be able to bring these to market at a competitive price for non-certified use.

Also here is the video where I first saw the engines on display(starts at the 5 min mark):

https://youtu.be/xm3JzMXCR2o?si=bn93UPoFhtZS1_7j

[TJ_Slice]

Kawasaki being behind this does lend it a little more credibility... maybe? But, I'll believe it when I see it. Until then, it's a unicorn.

[djb623]

Agreed. There’s been plenty of vaporware engines that never came to market, were way over expected pricing, or severely behind schedule.

The 4s are based on their existing engines, the 6s I am not sure if they already existed somewhere in their commercial product line. The 6s have an integrated gearbox, which I am sure they didn’t have laying around. It was hard to tell if the prototypes at the show were fully functional or just mockups. The promotional material says “sample” engines available to customers this year.
We will see if they respond to me. Doubt it, but fingers crossed.

[Hewko]

That is a lot of HP out of a small displacement. Once they have several with a few thousand hours on them then they may be worth looking at. If you are thinking of an alternative engine for a BH5 the LS3 and the LS9 are worth investigating

[Battson]

Oh good, the aircraft engine has a gearbox.... said nobody, ever

I am curious what the 4-cyl will do with an output speed of 8,500 RPM. Did they proof read that correctly? That's a real small prop, or a very loud one.

I am hoping to witness a new liquid fueled engine which is a successor to the current default standards. I remain hopeful, but hope is fading as the electric age dawns around us.

[Light&Sweet]

I saw that. Might need a 6 blade ‘fan’ to make use of the power.

[davzLSA]

Beware of Unicorns!!!