Most light aircraft are fuelled by Avgas, a low lead based fuel, which is coming under increasing environmental and regulatory pressure. However, given the unique nature of Jeremy’s fuel converted from end life plastic, a special engine was needed that could cope and flourish with the Plastic Energy developed diesel.

Wilksch Airmotive, based at Staverton Airport, Gloucester England, had the answer.

Their new WAM engine concept allows the use of both diesel and jet fuels. This new technology brings numerous benefits and weighs no more than traditional Avgas burning engines. WAM engines are specifically designed to run on jet fuel and use new (to aircraft) diesel technology that avoids the technical compromises inherent in more conservative approaches. The result is an engine that exhibits excellent power to weight characteristics, and is ideally suited to the requirements of a large range of light aircraft.

Most importantly for On Wings of Waste the WAM engines are capable of running on bio diesels, and Wilksch Automotive is currently working with partners to assess the impact of wider use of bio diesel in light aviation.

WAM technology offers simple installation and maintenance with no reliance on electronics, delivering significant reduction in time, and hence costs, for both these operations. WAM engines also exhibit strong flight cycle fuel consumption characteristics. Compared with existing conventional engines, the WAM equivalents offer demonstrated aircraft range improvements of approximately 30%.

It is the perfect match for On Wings of Waste.