Rotax Celebrates 40 Years Of Engine Production

In 1975, the first Rotax aircraft engine, a two-cylinder air-cooled engine with an electric start, was approved in Austria.

Plane & Pilot

Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: Omar Filipović

Key Takeaways:

Rotax Aircraft Engines began in the early 1970s, evolving from employee initiatives and adapted snowmobile engines, and has since sold over 175,000 units.
The company continuously innovated its engine line, starting with two-stroke models and later introducing the highly influential four-stroke 912/914 series, which significantly benefited the light-aircraft industry.
Rotax continues to advance its technology, with the 2013 Rotax 912iS Sport featuring modern fuel injection and digital engine control for improved takeoff and climb performance.
BRP-Rotax maintains a strong global presence, dominating its segment by supplying engines to over 80% of light aircraft manufacturers through a worldwide network of distributors and sales points.

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In the early 1970s, a group of passionate aviation enthusiasts, all fliers and employees of Austria’s Bombardier Rotax (BRP-Rotax today), wanted to develop aircraft engines to serve their needs. About the same time, the company learned that some of its snowmobile engines were being adapted for aircraft use in the U.S. Thus began Rotax Aircraft Engines; 40 years later ,the company has sold more than 175,000 engines, and dominates the ultralight and light-sport aircraft market.

In 1975, the first Rotax aircraft engine, a two-cylinder air-cooled engine with an electric start, was approved in Austria. That was followed by the Rotax 277, 377, 447, 503, 532, and 582 models of two-stroke, two-cylinder engines in the years from 1977 through 1989, the heydays of ultralight activity.

In 1989, the first four-stroke Rotax engine, the 80 hp 912, was introduced, followed by the 100 hp 912S and the Turbo 914 engines. “Without a doubt, the Rotax 912/914 engines have substantially benefitted the light-aircraft industry,” Thomas Uhr, vice-president BRP-Powertrain, said.

An even newer development introduced on the market in 2013 is the Rotax 912iS Sport. The engine is a development of the fuel-injected Rotax 912 engine series and delivers improved takeoff performance, which results in a better climb rate and shorter takeoff run. The modern fuel-injection system combined with a digital engine control unit makes the Rotax 912iS Sport engine the most advanced concept in its class.

With 19 authorized distributors throughout the world and a network of more than 220 points of sale, BRP supports customers worldwide and supplies Rotax engines to more than 80% of all aircraft manufacturers in its segment. Visit www.flyrotax.com