Eric Clutton’s own FRED (originally G-ASZY and today N4499Y) has had many different engines over the years.  Today it wears a Continental A-65 but at the time Eric began to make plans available it wore a converted Volkswagen Beetle engine.  In fact, Eric and his friend the late Albert Tabenor were pioneers in using VW aero engines in Britain, following in the footsteps of Frenchmen Edouard Joly and Jean Délémontez, creators of the Jodel D.9 Bébé, among others.  The vast majority of FREDs past and present have been and are powered by converted VW engines of one kind or another.

In the United States, Steve and Linda Bennett’s Great Plains Aircraft Supply Company is one of the oldest companies specializing in air-cooled Volkwagen engines for aviation use.  Steve himself has over 3,000 hours of experience flying in VW-powered aircraft.  I recently contacted Steve to ask his advice on what VW engine set-up he would recommend for FRED.  Here are his suggestions:

• VW Type 1 1600-1915 cc engine;
• Front drive (pulley end), direct drive (no redrive);
• Wooden prop (as with all direct-drive VWs);
• Low-profile, Sonerai-style intake system with Model 1617 or 1821 carburetor as appropriate for engine size;
• No alternator or generator;
• Single ignition:  either one Slick 4316R magneto
 OR one stock VW 009 distributor running off a motorcycle battery and charged by a wind-driven generator;
• No starter (hand start).

As you can see, Steve’s recommendations emphasize light weight and simplicity, key elements to keep in mind when building FRED or any other homebuilt aircraft.

Photo:  Detail of FRED G-BJAD’s British-style VW aero conversion (note dual, bottom-mounted magnetos) at the Newark Air Museum.  Courtesy of Mike Smith.