Hello, my name is Christian Folco, builder 331. I am French living in
England in Oxford area. I'm building a XS version.
Despite the fact I am reading the Europa builders chat for nearly 1 year
and being an official member of the club, it's the first time I participate
to that forum. Im presently working on the fuselage and will probably put
the top half on next week. Last week I went to France visiting JPX engine
factory. JPX produce a 2.3 l flat four engine direct drive mainly use as a
replacement for the Jodel and use also for the Lionceau, the MCR01 and some
Italian kits. I was very impressed by what I saw over there, specially the
installations. These people (90) work mainly for Formula one engines
(Renault, Peugeot and Ford) and also Airbus and many others. They are
specialised on high tech casting and machining. Quality control is at its
best. Every part has is own batch and serial number, are checked and
results archived. So each engine has a file. All the parts constituting the
JPX engine are produced by themselves, the latest version is pure magnesium
cast and has the same weight as the Rotax 912. I contacted the owner of an
MCR01 fitted with a JPX (previous version 4TX75/A, 78kg, 85cv) who was very
delighted with this engine. According to him and Mr Buchoux the JPX
director, the performance for the considered plane is slightly better with
the JPX to compare with the 912. The new version 4TX90/A ~65kg, fully
equipped, 90cv will be available this summer.
These engines are JAR22H certified and come with 2 years warranty or 1000h.
I was very tempted before the tour and definitely convinced after. So my
Europa will be probably the first one equipped by a JPX engine. The
Factory will produce an engine installation package. Everything should be
ready for Cranfield.
Christian
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