VIJA Aircraft Engines
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace engineering |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Vincent and Jacques Trincal |
| Defunct | 2018 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Aircraft engines for ultralight aircraft |
VIJA Aircraft Engines was a French engineering firm focused on the development and production of powerplants for ultralight aircraft.
By the year 2015, their official website had been taken down, suggesting that the company had probably discontinued its activities. In 2017, there were indications that VIJA was looking for potential buyers; however, the business ultimately ceased operations in 2018.
History
The enterprise was established by siblings Vincent and Jacques Trincal, with the name VIJA derived from combining "VI-ncent" and "JA-ques." Their objective was to transform motorcycle engine technology to suit aviation requirements. The designs were inspired by the Suzuki Bandit 1200 engine, which itself evolved from the Suzuki GSX-R1100. Operating as a family-run limited liability company, VIJA unveiled a prototype at the Salon de Blois airshow in 2004 and showcased an almost finished engine model in 2005. The project was fully financed by the family’s own resources amounting to €100,000, without any external investors or bank loans.
The initial engine was installed on an Aero Synergie J300 Joker test aircraft, producing power at 5700 rpm. This setup achieved a climb rate of 900 ft/min (4.5 m/s) and a cruising velocity of , consuming approximately of fuel per hour.