Franklin Aircraft Engines, Inc. Manufacturer's Information Franklin Models (Specifications) Accessories Articles Customer Information
Articles With New U.S. distributor, the Franklin engine has come home by Earle Wilson FORT COLLINS, Colorado - Wytwomia Sprzetu Komunidacyjnego. Can't pronounce it? Try WSK-PLZ-Rzeszow S.A. If you're still tounge-tied, how about GLD Systems, Inc. Is that better? Good, because GLD Systems is now associated with the Polish-based PZL. And with GLD Systems doing business here in Fort Collins, English is the language of choice for Franklin powerplant customers. A little history: In 1975, the Polish-based PZL purchased the assets and rights to U.S., built Franklin engines, which are familiar to some, unknown to others. Franklin has not only produced engines for standard-category aircraft, but for sport airplanes too. In fact, Franklin long ago offered two engine models in kit form for Experimental homebuilt aircraft. The innovative plan allowed homebuilders to purchase and assemble their engines in increments. Following acquisition of the Franklin line, PZL produced four models of two, four and six cylinders for Polish-built aircraft. The effort came to an end in 1981 due to administrative problems. In 1993, production of Franklin engines resumed, mainly for customers in the United States and Canada.(Yes, engines destined for the U.S. are FAA-certified.) Enter GLD Systems and its owner,John Askeland, a mechanical engineer with 17 years in engine overhaul and modifiications. PZL was looking for a U.S. distributor, liked what it saw in GLD's application, and the two firms struck a partnership. Pilots who have flown behind Franklin engines will attest to their legendary smoothness, which is attributed to a unique combination starter gear/flywheel/fluid damper. The unit features a sealed cavity containing a silica gel-type material, eliminating virtually all vibration. No crankshaft counterwights are required: therefore, the choice of fixed-pitch propellers is limited only by mounting technicalities. The U.S.-distributed models (the 6A-350-C1R and the six-cylinder 6A-350-C1L) will, of course, accommodate a constant-speed propeller. The 6A-350 C1L, al left-handed rotating engine developed for twin-engine aircraft, was not produced by the original Franklin. Like the 6A-350-C1R, however, its rocker box covers are emblazoned with the Franklin logo. Buyers will like the fact that no ADs have been issued, and mechanics will love the Yankee hardware. Cylinders, bearings, valves and hydraulic lifters are common throughout the Franklin line. Cylinders are cast as a unit, a departure from the customary design of separate barrels and heads. Steel cylinder sleeves (just $65) are pressed in and are easily field replaceable. All oil pumps are in the sump, vurtually eliminating any loss of prime. Another attractive feature of the four- and six-cylinder engines is that the crankcase covers are easily removed for the inspection. Both engines can be converted for inverted flying. The Ellison throttle body - actually a throttle body fuel-injection unit (TBI) - is very adaptable, but requires a Form 337 field approval or an STC. A minor modification in the oil-supply system assures inversion lubrication. Both engines have a 1,500-hour TBO. Don't worry about accessory and equipment support. PZL/Franklin engines use familiar Slick magnetos, Marvel Schebler carburetors, Woodward governors, Bendix ignition harnesses and other U.S. equipment such as oil filters and contemporary engine oil. Gld plans to offer lightweight starters (about $350) and alternators ($300) to replace heavier standard units. Askeland promises reliability too. "These are new engines, not rebuilds of old, high-time engines," he explained. According to PZL, it has produced 33,000 piston engines, 20,000 turbine engines and more than 7,000 jet engines. Since 1976 it has manufactured turbine engine parts and subassemblies for Pratt & Whitney in Canada. Franklin originally produced the 4A-235-B3 as a power-enhanced replacement for the Continental A65 through 0-200 engine line. The new PZL/Franklin 4A-235-B1 weighs virtually the same as the 0-200 when similarly equipped. It produces 116 horsepower at 2,800 rpm and has radial and bed mounts, suitable for firewall or pylon mounting. "The engine will fit exactly on Continental A-series engine mounts," Askeland said. "The exhause exits in very nearly the same place in every case we tried - Cessna 140, 150, 152; Ercoupe 415C/D and others - the engine fits not only the mounts but under the cowling too." In conjunction with the Franklin/PZL distributorship, GLD Systems is developing STC's for various installations. To expedite the in-house process. Askeland said he expects to acquire a designated engineering representative (DER) certificate in the near future. Reprinted with permission from Flyer. Franklin Aircraft Engines, Inc. | Manufacturer's Information| Franklin Models (Specifications) | Accessories | Articles | Customer Information 1999 Franklin Aircraft Engines, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
<<attachment: winmail.dat>>
