Phil, Here's something on the Russian Rotaries evidently counterfiet: Not
very surprising.
http://www.rotaryaviation.com/rotaryhistory.htm
Quote From:
"One of the most mysterious Wankel programs started behind the Iron Curtain
during Cold War days: that of the Soviet/Russian automaker VAZ (now Avtovaz)
of Togliattigrad. VAZ began building Fiats under license as Zhigulis 30
years ago; they have been sold as Ladas in the West.
The Russians expressed interest in the rotary in the '60s and sent
technicians to NSU in Neckarsulm, West Germany, in 1974. VAZ began
development in 1976 and in late 1980 came an announcement of a
limited-edition 2-rotor Lada."
"The D-200 may not be legally marketable in the West. I have found no
evidence that VAZ or any other Soviet entity got a license from NSU/Wankel
in the '70s. Despite mentions of rotary Ladas, no specs for any Soviet
vehicle with a Wankel ever appeared in any of the standard reference sources
such as World Cars. Believe me, I've looked. I have searched Russian books
on vehicles and engines, including Russian-language Zhiguli repair manuals,
at the huge Victor Kamkin bookstore in Maryland but have found absolutely no
reference to VAZ's rotary efforts--though aside from licensing issues, the
KGB and military uses may also have mandated keeping them secret."
End Quote:
Cheers,
Wayne
----- Original Message -----
From: <pethier@comcast.net>
To: "Wayne Lee" <motorcarriage@charter.net>; "Triumph List"
<triumphs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 3:21 PM
Subject: Re: [TR] Triumphs Digest, Vol 1, Issue 360
> From: "Wayne Lee" <motorcarriage@charter.net>
>> I think the Wankel Engines would of had to have been licensed by NSU.
Phil Wrote:
> It was reported at the time that it was Wankel themselves, who existed as
> >a separate entity, granting licences to car, snowmobile and motorcyle
> >makers. I'm guessing that this was a successor entitiy to the NSU setup.
> >This may or may not be the company known as Wankel AG.
> >http://www.wankel-ag.de
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