HIGHER: “High performance Engine for Light Sport Aircraft

Project Information

HIGHER

Grant agreement ID: 710622

DOI

10.3030/710622

Project closed

EC signature date 27 November 2015

Start date 1 December 2015

End date 31 May 2016

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Smart, Green And Integrated Transport

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

EGIMOTORS S.R.L.
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - HIGHER (HIGHER: “High performance Engine for Light Sport Aircraft)

Reporting period: 2015-12-01 to 2016-05-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The goal of our project is to launch on the market an innovative engine (EGM 4X4) which will contribute to make small aircrafts and helicopters diffused, sustainable and safe transport vehicles thanks to its innovative features:
- specifically conceived for LSA (Light Sport Aircraft) and not adapted from other aircraft categories;
- versatile, because it can be employed to all typologies of LSA aircrafts;
- characterized by low cost of travel and a reduced environmental impact, which are the same of a two-litre car;
- higher reliability and safety thanks to full redundancy of various equipment; higher performance and lower consumption by means of cylinder head with 4 valves per cylinder; dimension and weight reduction ensured by engine weight lower than 20% compared to competitors with the same power.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The stress test performed have confirmed the technical/operating parameters already determined in relevant environment using the first mock-ups built.
5 engine prototypes were used for the tests: preliminary tests on a bench; 8 test sessions on a bench using first a Lycoming propeller and then a Rotax propeller; then the prototypes were dismantled to fix the technical issues emerged; a second set of duration tests proved that the technical issues previously emerged were completely removed.

Interviews to aircraft pilots and flight instructors have demonstrated there is an increased interest in LSA, together with the need of solutions at a lower purchasing and maintenance cost: all that demonstrates how our engine will perfectly fit into this rapidly evolving market.

A patent research and a freedom to operate analysis have been commissioned regarding 4 different topics related to our engine; just for one topic, not even patentable, there is an interference from another patent, but limited to Japan.

All potential risks which can harm the project have been identified, with the probability they could happen. Risk-mitigations have been listed and described, especially for the technical risks.

The business planning has shown positive outcomes (16% increase in turnover) and allowed us to define with precision the required investments and the financial needs.

All these results encourage us to continue the project.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

If we reach our goal to produce and sell, by 2021, 7% of the engines required by the LSA market at global level, we will contribute to increase the reliability and safety of these vehicles and to lower their operating costs and environmental impact.

EGM 4X4 engine