In 2001, the Vimy replica had a change of powerplants from the mighty big-block, V8 Chevy engines to BMW M73 V12 engines. Anyone know why they perform the swap?
Then it was grounded in Mesa, AZ because of legal action initiated by BMW. I guess BMW didn't like the idea of their engines in an aircraft, but GM didn't object to to the use of their big-blocks? Or did they?
Now on September 30, 2004 the Vimy made it's maiden flight with its two new Canadian Orenda OE 600 engines. Anyone know why the changes?
Here is the news release:
http://www.vimy.org/newsandevents/pr.../18July01.html
The Vimy's web site
http://www.vimy.org/home.html