ULPower Aero Engines
 | |
| NV | |
| Industry | Aircraft Engine Manufacturer |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Ieper, Belgium |
| Products | Aircraft Engines |
| Website | http://www.ulpower.com |
ULPower Aero Engines is a Belgian company which manufactures engines specifically designed for light aircraft/rotorcraft use.
History
For several years a Belgian group of enthusiastic private individuals financed and developed a new modern technology, light weight engine for aircraft application. They believed they had the technology and knowledge to introduce a more modern alternative to the existing aircraft engines on the market. After 3 years of development and testing of several prototypes the first UL260i 72 kW (97 hp) engine was installed in an aircraft (a Lambert Mission M106). First flight tests were performed in December 2005. After proving the engine reliability on the ground and in the air, the project was merged into an official company structure. ULPower Aero Engines was officially formed in March 2006 to concentrate on the further design and manufacture of engines where light weight, power and reliability are important to the client. Series production commenced by the end of that year.
Over the first years, the UL260i has equipped several popular light aircraft, e.g. Storch, Zenair Zodiac CH601, Escapade, Dynaero MCR01, Hannuman X-Air.
In 2009, ULPower launched some new engine types: the UL260iS 80 kW (107 hp), the UL260iSa 80 kW (107 hp) (with inverted oil system for aerobatics) and the UL350iS 93 kW (125 hp). For the French market specifically, two adapted versions are also available: the UL260iF 74 kW (100 hp) based on the UL260iS and the UL350iF 90 kW (120 hp) based on the UL350iS, specifically for gyrocopter application.
The product line was expanded again in 2013, with a line of 6-cylinder engines in both 3900 cc and 5200 cc variants, each with an option for higher or lower compression requiring different minimum fuel grades.
Engines
ULPower produces a range of direct drive air-cooled horizontally-opposed engines with multiport fuel-injection and FADEC. All engines can run on avgas or automotive gasoline with up to 15% ethanol.
| Model | Power | Displacement | Weight | Minimum octane | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UL260i | 97 hp (72 kW) | 2592 cc | 72.3 kg (159.3 lb) | 95 RON (91 AKI) | |
| UL260iS | 107 hp (80 kW) | 2592 cc | 72.3 kg (159.3 lb) | 98 RON (93 AKI) | |
| UL260iF | 100 hp (74 kW) | 2592 cc | 72.3 kg (159.3 lb) | 98 RON (93 AKI) | Built for French market |
| UL260iSA | 100 hp (74 kW) | 2592 cc | 74.8 kg (164.9 lb) | 98 RON (93 AKI) | Aerobatic |
| UL350i | 118 hp (88 kW) | 3503 cc | 72.3 kg (159.3 lb) | 95 RON (91 AKI) | |
| UL350iS | 130 hp (97 kW) | 3503 cc | 72.3 kg (159.3 lb) | 98 RON (93 AKI) |
| Model | Power | Displacement | Weight | Minimum octane | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UL390i | 140 hp (104 kW) | 3900 cc | 101 kg (222 lb) | 95 RON (91 AKI) | |
| UL390iS | 160 hp (119 kW) | 3900 cc | 101 kg (222 lb) | 98 RON (93 AKI) | |
| UL520i | 180 hp (134 kW) | 5200 cc | 108 kg (238 lb) | 95 RON (91 AKI) | |
| UL520iS | 200 hp (149 kW) | 5200 cc | 108 kg (238 lb) | 98 RON (93 AKI) |
References
Norton, Thomas F. (June 2007). "The promise of things to come... Engine makers report progress and innovation". The Southern Aviator. Retrieved 2008-02-03.