Interesting Merlin conversion!

[Michel Lemieux]

Interesting Merlin conversion!

This one is actually recent and from a company we know.

The Swiss EKW C-36 was originally powered by a Hispano-Suiza. And yes there is one still airworthy maintained by MeierMotors GmbH



And of course the Schlepp tug turbine conversion.

Wellllll.....MeierMotors has worked on a Merlin conversion. Have a look and shoot your comments. Found it on their Facebook page

For me? Better looking that the turbine conversion. Unique looks and quite unique overall!!!!

[Sopwith]

Looks very impressive, wonder how it compares to the Hispano engine? I like the red paintwork too.

[Archer]

Can't find anything about it on the MeierMotors website, although I could spot it in the background of some photos. Is there more information about the why? Just unavailability of a suitable Hispano engine, or a quick way to get a nice two-seater airbourne with big V-12? Certification can't be easy...

[Michel Lemieux]

I found it on their Facebook page. The Hispano looks like a complex beast to maintain.

Parts must be on the same unoptanium level as German motors if not more.

But as I said, it looks better than the turbine lawn dart version!

[Michel Lemieux]

Interesting fact from the MeeirsMotor page

Another interesting thing about the 12Y is that this unit was manufactured under license by Klimov in the Soviet Union as the Klimov M-100. The Klimov M-100 was used in the famous T-34 tank, the M-105 was installed in the no less well-known Yakovlev fighters, such as the Yak-1, Yak-3 and Yak-9.

Loads of interesting pictures for the gearheads! https://www.meiermotors.com/index.php/aircraft/klassische-motoren/hispano-suiza-12y





No rockers!


A plumber's dream!

[C VEICH]

A little surprised that the Merlin was chosen rather than the more readily available Allison.

[dhfan]

I don't know the answer, but in Europe are Allisons more readily available than Merlins? I guess not but hopefully somebody might have an idea.

[C VEICH]

I don't know the answer, but in Europe are Allisons more readily available than Merlins? I guess not but hopefully somebody might have an idea.

When it comes to things like this I am not sure the location matters all that much. I am relatively certain that, worldwide, Allisons are easier and cheaper to obtain than Merlins are. Which is why we see them in Yaks, Sturmoviks, Mig-3's, a 109, homebuilt Spitfires, etc. Someone will correct me if I am wrong.