But hang-on-the-prop sport pilots sometimes need all they can get. Probably the most piston power you can buy, few homebuilts can take all the muscle a 620-cubic-inch M14P radial can dish out. At our deadline they were assembling another batch of four Gnomes, making seven running engines to date. If you want to inspect a CAM rotary or need an airframe to match your new Gnome, Kip Aero in Dallas, Texas, works closely with CAM to build continuation WW-I Sopwiths.ĬAM is part of the burgeoning replica and restoration scene in New Zealand and has a well-established business replicating various warbird parts, especially P-40 items. CAM reports their rotary has a Sopwith Pup replica going 110 mph straight and level, plus 1000 fpm vertically. They certainly are the only new engine capable of delivering the true early bird rotary experience, which might be a little more performance oriented than first imagined. Purists may decry it, but CAM also has an electric starter for their rotary-it must be the first non-hand-propped rotary ever-but the engine runs cleaner and smoother than ever, and CAM has raised its power rating another 5 hp to a muscular 125 hp and nearly 600 pound feet of torque while whirling at just 1120 rpm.ĬAM emphasizes these engines are viable, reliable, real-world choices for WW-I replicas and that they’re in the rotary business for the long term. The in-cylinder motion is further aided by CAM’s fuel pump (the originals relied strictly on gravity). Also the induction ports are now angled, promoting in-cylinder swirl for better fuel atomization and reduced plug fouling, a big help there. Another improvement is lengthening the lower portion of the cylinders for improved piston support. A recent example is a pre-start oil priming system (CAM found it had been taking 20 seconds for pressurized oil to reach the engine internals). ![]() It is a faithful continuation of the Gnome used in many French, English and German aircraft just prior to and during WW-I.īesides the challenge of fully learning the nuances of this 100+ year old design, CAM, who started by using original plans, is dedicated to improving the Gnome while not detracting from its authenticity. ![]() Rotary (Traditional) Classic Aero Machining CAM’s continuation of the Gnome Monosoupape rotary is a piece of industrial art worthy of hanging in a gallery-or on the nose of a Kip Aero continuation Sopwith.įor those seeking the ultimate, authentic, full-gyroscopic WW-I rotary experience, New Zealand-based Classic Aero Machining has spent several years developing a brand-new-build Gnome Monosoupape engine.
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