Founded back in 1920 and developed and manufactured by the Austrian company BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, the Rotax series of engines are now synonymous with many aircraft of today. Many will remember their appearance in early micro-lights as the 503, 535 and 585.

From humble beginnings, powering Ski-Doo snow mobiles and go-carts, Rotax has grown to be accepted as the engine of choice by over 250 aircraft manufacturers worldwide. In 1998, Rotax outsold all other aero engine manufacturers combined.

The 916

The requirements for engines in aviation continue to evolve. They need to lower emissions, consume less fuel and make less noise while producing more power. 

The new Rotax 916iS/c engine makes it perfectly suitable for four-seater aircraft and for high performance two-seaters.

Weighing in at 85.8 kilograms and producing 160 hp, the 916iS/c offers an unprecedented power-to-weight ratio in the light aircraft segment.

An impressive 24-volt option allows for more cockpit features and comfort. The Rotax 916iS/c made its debut at the 2023 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, showcasing its power for the first time ever in a CubCrafters aircraft, a new customer of BRP-Rotax.

“The launch of the 916iS/c is yet another testament to our commitment to developing ground-breaking technologies and creating the most advanced propulsion systems for our customers. For us, it was crystal clear that we had to build on the success of the 915 engine. We can now seize new opportunities in the four-seat market segment with a perfectly mature product and thus continue our steady growth of recent years. With the 916iS/c, we are responding to unmet customer needs and living up to the innovation philosophy of our long-standing company,” said Peter Ölsinger, General Manager, BRP-Rotax, and Vice-President, Sales, Marketing & Communications, Rotax Propulsion Systems.

Top performance and new opportunities

In addition, BRP-Rotax offers the 916iS/c as an alternative for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flights as well as for commercial flying, for example for flight schools and private pilots. The top performance of the 916iS/c allows for shorter take-off distances and steeper descent while maintaining maximum efficiency in cruise flight. The 916iS/c features multi-fuel technology for MOGAS & AVGAS, which allows both classic engine fuel as well as aviation fuel.

In this class up to 160 hp, the new engine features fully electronic iS technology for increased performance, greater efficiency and simplified maintenance and servicing. This means that engine selection for maintenance and repairs can be carried out via the BUD system Aircraft (BRP Utility and Diagnostic Software for Rotax Aircraft Engines), in a similar way to the automotive industry.

The TBO (Time Between Overhaul) at product launch is 2,000 hours, which is in line with many aero-engines of today.

Presentation at the SUN ‘n FUN Florida and the aero Friedrichshafen

The engine was launched at SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida (March 28 to April 2) in a new CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL.

 “CubCrafters and Rotax share a dedication to drive great performance through new technology innovations. Working together to develop the new Rotax 916iS/c powered Carbon Cub has been a great collaboration. We are excited to launch our latest products together and to make them available worldwide,” said Patrick Horgan, President and CEO of CubCrafters Inc. “The powerful and smooth single-lever operation of the Rotax 916iS/c is outstanding, bringing the latest engine technology to the Carbon Cub Family. Compatible with fuels available worldwide, our new Carbon Cub UL offers the versatility of a full-sized backcountry aircraft with amazing STOL capability and cruise performance, “added Mr. Horgan.

The Rotax 916iS/c will then be introduced on the European market at the AERO in Friedrichshafen, Germany from April 19 to 22, 2023.

The engine is now available worldwide through the official authorized BRP-Rotax dealer network.