The new 915iS Rotax engine that was introduced at EAA AirVenture last year flew for the first time, in Austria, last month, and now has flown more than 50 hours, Rotax’s Marc Becker said at Sun ‘n Fun today. The engine also has run more than 3,000 hours on the test bench, and is on track to enter service next year. It will be delivered to manufacturers later this year, who should complete the installation process of the hardware and software by year’s end, Becker said. The turbo-boosted engine is expected to be available from at least 40 airplane manufacturers. It delivers more power at a lighter weight, compared to earlier models.
Rotax says the target market for the 915iS is high-performance two- and four-seat aircraft, small helicopters and larger gyrocopters. The 135-hp engine offers the best power-to-weight ratio in its class, Rotax says, plus a full takeoff power up to 15,000 feet, and a service ceiling of 23,000 feet. The engine is here at Sun ‘n Fun and will be run for a live demo every day at the Rotax booth at 1 p.m., Becker said. AVweb’s editorial director Paul Bertorelli took a look at the engine last summer when it was introduced; click here for the video report.
