Parajet hails ‘massive step’ of new rotary paramotor engine

Parajet will announce on Wednesday that it is set to revolutionise paramotoring with the launch of its new rotary engine the Parajet Cyclone.

Parajet’s Jim Edmondson said: “We are launching a rotary engine after the success and lessons of Mission Everest.

“The engines are small and very powerful, giving them the highest power to weight ratio of any aviation engine on the market except jet turbines.

“This is a massive step for ultralight aviation and will mark one of the biggest advancements in the sport’s history.

“The new Parajet Cyclone paramotor, which will be powered by our Rotron unit, will be the most powerful paramotor on the market but still the same weight as our standard paramotor. Rotary engines also have the added benefit of zero vibration.”

The Cyclone range will have a normal Parajet chassis and cage design but will be powered by the company’s Rotron rotary engine. Parajet designer Gilo Cardozo and TV adventurer Bear Grylls flew Rotron engines when they attempted to fly above Everest in 2007, successfully flying above 8,000 m.

The Rotron will be available in Compact and Macro sizes with two different engine sizes: 160 cc and 294 cc.

Edmondson said “key advantages” of a rotary engine over a standard engine are: Zero vibration; compact size; high power to weight ratio; better fuel efficiency; and better mechanical reliability.

“Rotary engines do not seize and mechanical failure is extremely rare due to rotary motion as opposed to a pistons reciprocating motion,” Edmondson said.

“Most of the concerns about rotary engines have been overcome with the huge developments in materials and new technology for the rotor tips.

“We have started the first production run and aim to have our first units delivered in August. We are planning to release 30 to start with (15 of each engine size).”

Pilots who want one will need to place a 50% deposit. The Cyclone 160 cc will retail at £5,600 while the Cyclone 294 cc will cost £6,500. The company said prices include VAT in the UK but may vary by 3.5%.

Technical specification

160 cc
Power output: 25 hp at 7,600 rpm
Weight: 12.8 kg (including generator, starter, exhaust and radiator)
Cubic capacity: 160 cc
Fuel injection: optional
Altitude compensation: Fuel injection version only
Starting: Electric start only
Cooling: Liquid cooled

294 cc
Power output: 40 hp at 7,600 rpm
Weight: 15.4 kg (including generator, starter, exhaust and radiator)
Cubic capacity: 294 cc
Fuel injection: optional
Altitude compensation: Fuel injection version only
Starting: Electric start or pull start
Cooling: Liquid cooled