Experimenter is a magazine created by EAA for people who build airplanes. We will report on amateur-built aircraft as well as ultralights and other light aircraft.
Issue link: http://experimenter.epubxp.com/i/96284
U L Po w e r A ir p l a n e En g in e s An aerobatic version of the UL260 engine is called the UL260iSA (A for Aerobatic). The difference is the modified stock engine block with holes for better internal oil transport to the oil pan, the "smart" oil pickup tube that is not fixed but can swivel for 90 degrees total, and an oil breather "bottle." Fuel systems are the same as on all ULPower engines: fully electronic ignition and multipoint fuel injection (FADEC) system. All engines come standard with one generator (20/30A for four- and six-cylinder engines), single engine control unit (ECU), one set of ignition coils, and battery. The mixture ignition is via two spark plugs per cylinder. It is possible to get a second ECU (for 2000 Euro) and even a second generator (price on request). The double generator was first shown in 2010 on the sixcylinder engine where it was mounted directly behind the first unit. According to ULPower, the double ignition system option (two ECUs) existed from production start, but demand is not very strong. The whole electric system is so made that the engine connectors/wiring doesn't have to be modified for the double system. Since the introduction of the six-cylinder engines, ULPower is using a smaller throttle position system (TPS) indicator with a Hall sensor without sliding parts in contact. Marketing, distribution, and hardware production is done by ROPA in Geluveld, Belgium. DR Tuning is contributing electronic/electric components, assembly, and engine testing. Since 2006, ULPower has sold more than 250 engines. In the past year they delivered more than 75 engines. Their numbers are growing steadily. In Europe, ULPower is selling its engines from Belgium; ULPower of North America LLC is the exclusive distributor of the ULPower Aero Engines products in the United States and Canada. The new company is working with several American manufacturers to develop firewallforward packages and installation support for its engine line in popular light aircraft, including the Zenith CH 650 and STOL CH 750, RV-12, RANS S-19, and the Just Aircraft Highlander. The first new engine has already been sold in the United States to Renegade Light Sport Aircraft, which will offer them as options for the Comet biplane. » For more information about ULPower engines, visit www.ULPower.com and www.ULPower.net. Marino Boric, EAA 1069644, is an aeronautical engineer and holds a private pilot license in Germany with commercial and instrument ratings (CPL/IFR). He also flew as a military pilot. 26 NO. 4/ DECEMBER 2012 Tis is one of two main diferences between the normal UL260iS and the UL260iSA where "A" stands for acrobatic. On the aerobatics version the engine block has drilled holes inside the crankcase casing for better oil transport during aerobatic maneuvers and has a 45-degree swiveling oil-pump pick-up tube with a hinge joint that is capable of picking up oil from the oil sump while the airplane is climbing or diving. Photography by Marino Boric