ULPower Aero Engines
| Company type | NV |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aircraft Engine Manufacturer |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Ypres, Belgium |
| Products | Aircraft Engines |
| Website | http://www.ulpower.com |
ULPower Aero Engines is a Belgian enterprise specializing in the production of engines tailored for use in light aircraft and rotorcraft.
History
In 2001, the original partners behind ULPower were approached to resolve a problem involving a Jabiru engine installed in a helicopter. Upon evaluating the situation, they chose to design an entirely new engine rather than modify the existing Jabiru unit, which was undersized for the intended application. The new powerplant was envisioned to feature attributes such as FADEC, simplicity, durability, straightforward maintenance, minimal component count, an excellent power-to-weight ratio, and economical operation.[1] The founding members brought extensive experience from the professional automotive rally sector, including engine design, development, and manufacturing for the Dakar Rally, as well as creating a proprietary ECU.[2] Leveraging their rally expertise, the initial helicopter engine prototype, and their custom ECU, they decided to establish a company focused on producing aero engines. Additional design goals included making the engine direct drive, air-cooled, and capable of running on both AVGAS and ethanol-blended MOGAS.[2]
Among the four founders are Nicolas Josson from ROPA.BE and brothers Lionel and Pascal D’Hondt who own DR Tuning in Belgium. ROPA.BE specializes in metal turning and milling for engine components, whereas DR Tuning operates within the motorsport industry.[3]
Following several years of development and prototype testing, the initial UL260i engine delivering 72 kW (97 hp) was installed on a Lambert Mission 106 aircraft. Flight testing commenced in December 2005. After validating its reliability both on the ground and during flightTemplate:Fix/category[citation needed], the project transitioned into an official corporate entity. ULPower Aero Engines was formally established in March 2006 to focus on further engine design and production emphasizing lightweight construction, power output, and dependability. Series manufacturing began by the end of that year.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
During its early years, the UL260i powered various well-known light aircraft models including the Fly Synthesis Storch, Zenair Zodiac CH601, Just Escapade, Dyn'Aéro MCR01, and Hannuman X-Air. In 2017, Sonex Aircraft introduced their "B" model featuring a slightly larger fuselage to accommodate additional engine choices.[4] With this update, ULPower’s four-cylinder engines became a factory-supported standard alternative.[4]
In 2009, ULPower expanded its offerings with new models: the UL260iS producing 80 kW (107 hp) and the UL350i/iS delivering 93 kW (125 hp), featuring an increased stroke length from 74 mm to 100 mm. Around this period, the Twister Aerobatics Team flying the Silence Twister sought a more powerful inverted-capable engine to replace their original 80 hp Jabiru 2200.[5] Familiar with ULPower’s UL260i/iS units, they collaborated on developing the UL260iSA variant which offers 80 kW (107 hp) along with a fully inverted oil system.[5]
For France specifically, two modified versions were offered: the UL260iF rated at 74 kW (100 hp) based on the UL260iS platform and the UL350iF rated at 90 kW (120 hp) derived from the UL350iS model tailored for gyrocopter use.Template:Fix/category[citation needed] The UL350iF model has since been discontinued.
In 2013, the product range grew to include six-cylinder engines available in both 3900 cc and 5200 cc configurations. Each variant offers options for higher or lower compression ratios requiring different minimum fuel grades. These six-cylinder engines are designed to power larger experimental and kit-built aircraft (non-certified types), typically served by Lycoming engines or their derivatives in the O320-O360 category.[6]
All ULPower engines share a modular design philosophy. They maintain a consistent bore dimension of 105.6 mm while offering strokes of either 74 or 100 mm, defining their respective 260 and 350 series models. Adding an additional cylinder bank results in their six-cylinder families—the 390 and 520 series.[6]
Engines
ULPower manufactures a selection of direct-drive, air-cooled, horizontally opposed engines equipped with multiport fuel injection and FADEC systems. These engines are compatible with avgas, including 100LL and UL91, as well as automotive gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol, provided the octane ratings meet specified requirements.
| Model | Power | Displacement | Ready to fly weight | Minimum octane | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UL260i | 97 hp (72 kW) | 2592 cc | 72.9 kg (161 lb) | 95RON 87MON (91AKI) | |
| UL260iS | 107 hp (80 kW) | 2592 cc | 72.9 kg (161 lb) | 98RON 90MON (94AKI) | |
| UL260iF | 100 hp (75 kW) | 2592 cc | 72.9 kg (161 lb) | 98RON 90MON (94AKI) | Designed to comply with French UL standards |
| UL260iSA | 107 hp (80 kW) | 2592 cc | 75.4 kg (166 lb) | 98RON 90MON (94AKI) | Aerobatic variant |
| UL260iSK | 107 hp (80 kW) | 2592 cc | 72.9 kg (161 lb) | 98RON 90MON (94AKI) | Specifications currently unavailable |
| UL350i | 118 hp (88 kW) | 3503 cc | 78.4 kg (173 lb) | 95RON 87MON (91AKI) | |
| UL350iS | 130 hp (97 kW) | 3503 cc | 78.4 kg (173 lb) | 98RON 90MON (94AKI) | |
| UL350iSA | 130 hp (97 kW) | 3503 cc | 78.9 kg (174 lb) | 98RON 90MON (94AKI) | Aerobatic model |
| UL350iHPS | 150 hp (112 kW) | 3503 cc | 82.4 kg (182 lb) | 98RON 90MON (94AKI) | Designed for helicopter use |
| Model | Power | Displacement | Ready to fly weight | Minimum octane | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UL390i | 140 hp (104 kW) | 3888 cc | 100 kg (220 lb) | 95RON 87MON (91AKI) | |
| UL390iS | 160 hp (119 kW) | 3888 cc | 100 kg (220 lb) | 98RON 90MON (94AKI) | |
| UL390iSA | 160 hp (119 kW) | 3888 cc | 103.8 kg (229 lb) | 98RON 90MON (94AKI) | Aerobatic configuration |
| UL520i | 180 hp (134 kW) | 5254 cc | 108 kg (238 lb) | 95RON 87MON (91AKI) | |
| UL520iS | 200 hp (149 kW) | 5254 cc | 108 kg (238 lb) | 98RON 90MON (94AKI) | |
| UL520T | [convert: needs a number] | 5254 cc | [convert: needs a number] | 98RON 90MON (94AKI) | Turbocharged version |
| UL520iSRR | _Template:Convert(200, "hp", "kW", round = 0, abbr = true) | 5254 cc | Template:Convert(108, "kg", "lb", round = 0, abbr = true) | 98RON 90MON (94AKI) | Reverse rotation model |
| UL520iSA | _Template:Convert(200, "hp", "kW", round = 0, abbr = true) | 5254 cc | Template:Convert(108, "kg", "lb", round = 0, abbr = true) | 98RON 90MON (94AKI) | Aerobatic edition |
External links
- ↑ "ULPower history". Where did ULPower come from. 2 December 2017. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Kern, Tim (1 July 2010). "The ULPower Family of Engines". No. July 2010. Experimental Aircraft Association. Sport Aviation.
- ↑ Ellis, Steve (1 June 2010). "ULPower's new four ushers in small-scale FADEC". No. June 2010. Kitplanes.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Esau, Megan (1 May 2017). "Bigger and Better". No. May 2017. Experimental Aircraft Association. Sport Aviation.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "The Silence SA1100 Twister". Twister Aerobatics Team. Retrieved 2 March 2019.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Ellis, Steve (1 January 2016). "The New Old Aero Engine". No. January 2016. Kitplanes.