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One thing to keep in mind, Chris. Propelled is a very small business being funded by the owner (a great guy) whereas it is very clear that Mistral (a great bunch of guys) has very deep pocket support to keep that team together for this many years (not to mention the investment in castings, design and testing, etc). Here is a report from a US RV flier who actually visited Mistral. Note the impression from the offices that this is not a "garage based" enterprise {:>)
http://69.89.31.136/~cogginso/rv8/article.php?story=20060202202829108
Having spent some years in the Research and Development arena, I would be willing to bet you several beers that the $32K price tag by Mistral is an arbitrary set price (for marketing) and bears little resemblance to their true cost. In addition, they are aiming for certification as you mentioned, so their potential market (if successful) is the thousands with $$ in the multimillion dollar range whereas Propelled as a much more modest market. So they (Mistral) are probably willing to sell lower than cost (initially) just to break into the market. Propelled on the other hand has to recover cost (and make some profit) on each and every sale.
This is, of course, just my perspective and could be totally incorrect.
But, one team has to recover cost immediately and the other clearly has the wherewithal to take a very long view point to cost recovery.
I think both are offering some great products, but clearly two different approaches and markets.
FWIW
Ed
Ed Anderson
Rv-6A N494BW Rotary Powered
Matthews, NC
eanderson@carolina.rr.com
http://www.andersonee.com
http://members.cox.net/rogersda/rotary/configs.htm#N494BW
http://www.dmack.net/mazda/index.html
----- Original Message ----- From: "Christopher Barber" <CBarber@TexasAttorney.net>
To: "Rotary motors in aircraft" <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2007 11:21 AM
Subject: [FlyRotary] motor decisions part 2...Mistral v Propelled v .....
I have been curious about this for a while. IF some money fell out of the
sky thus not a major factor, which rotary would you choose and why? The
Mistral, the Propelled.....or continue to roll your own, OR, heavens forbid,
a LYC (yikes). Also, does Powersport still exist?
I find it curious that the Propelled engine, which is a collection of mostly
off the shelf parts is only a few thousand dollars less than the Mistral
which is attempting to be certified. IIRC the Propelled is about $27,500
while the Mistral is around $32,000. Not that much of a difference in the
big picture. Also the Mistral is new while, I believe, the Propelled uses a
rebuilt 2nd gen core. The Mistral also has a reduction unit designed for a
controllable prop.
I have the Mistral intake and it is very nice. I don't know about
Propelled's work, but I am confidant it is nicely done. Has actual
availability been an issue with the companies???
I was surprised by Propelled pricing. To charge almost as much as a new
certified aircraft engine (i.e. Lyc) does not seem to be a good business
model. I realize you must make money, but it would seem the high teens
would still allow a profit (from my non accountant math...based on what I
have built my engine on) while establishing the engine as a viable
choice...while the high twenties seems to shoot the idea in the foot.
Both/all seem to be focusing on the tractor type plane, so both would be
more of a challenge for my pusher.
Input/insight is appreciated. Thanks.
All the best,
Chris
Christopher Barber
Attorney and Counselor at Law
5116 Bissonnet, No 418
Bellaire, Texas 77401
Serving the Needs of Senior Texans through
Planning with Purpose
281-464-LAWS (5297)
281-754-4168 Fax
www.TexasAttorney.net
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