Mistral's two-rotor turbocharged G-230-TS Wankel engine
was on display in the Piper Arrow airframe it pulled to the show. The
Swiss-built 230-hp, liquid-cooled is being developed in Daytona Beach, FL,
with the assistance of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The installation
amassed more than 30 flights before arriving in OSH. Testing for FAA
certification is underway. Although the engine itself, which displaces just
654cc from the twin rotors, is little bigger than a beer keg, it requires
considerable ancillary equipment, including a radiator and plumbing for the
turbocharger. Wankels traditionally use dual spark plugs, so it's no surprise
to see the Mistral's redundant ignition systems. Using a planetary gear prop
reduction unit, the engine can turn ... 6500 rpm ... for a prop speed of just
2300 rpm. Weighing 328 pounds dry, the G-230 is intended to burn 100LL or
unleaded auto gas.