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NTI supports eco friendly engine innovation.
21/11/2007
The impact of fossil fuelled transport on the environment and climate is high profile, with motorsport coming in for its share of criticism.
Now, Kettering based precision engineers, Cougar RED Ltd, is tackling the problem head on by aiming to develop a low emission high performance 2-stroke motorcycle engine. The engine will initially be developed for the motorsport market, but could have wider future applications – including the humble garden mower.
Cougar RED Ltd first became involved with the East Midlands New Technology Initiative (NTI) in 2005, when it received a grant for a hi-tech vertical milling centre, to compliment existing technology and help develop and grow the business.
This year the East Midlands NTI introduced Cougar RED to Automotive Green Developments, an organisation lobbying for greener motorsport, spearheaded by Derek Lowe, an ex aviation pilot and expert in aviation engine technology, Bio-Ethanol alternative fuel and the 2-stroke engine. The partnership was further strengthened by Bob Clowes of Motive Racing (Super Karts team and component manufacturer), Brian King, a senior lecturer with the School of Applied Sciences – Engineering Division at the University of Northampton and James Powell, lead of the NTI High Performance Engineering Network.
The group have been working together drawing up plans for development and implementation of new technology that will move the 2-stroke engine into the 21st Century.
Derek said: “Traditionally the 2-stroke engine has been viewed as dirty and polluting with many nasty toxins present in the exhaust. By using the clever design and manufacturing skills of Cougar RED, and optimising the engine to accept Bio-Ethanol (a fully sustainable fossil fuel alternative) the 2-Stroke engine, which was originally a British invention, will be given a new lease of life and will be much more environmentally friendly”.
The group recently exhibited at Rockingham Circuit as part of the East Midlands “Make Climate Change Your Business” exhibition. The display stand included a developmental racing motorcycle on loan to the project from Stephenson College (a previous NTI funded item) and a Super Kart from Motive Racing also being developed for Bio-Ethanol. A workshop discussion on the impact of Motorsport and Climate change, run during the exhibition was attended by Local Authority representatives, 2 and 4 wheel Motorsport regulators and other key regional and national stakeholders.
The group is now waiting on the outcome of their application for an East Midlands Development Agency Research and Development grant that will see the engine realised within 18th months. The project will conclude with an attempt to set the first 2 wheel, 2-Stroke, Bio-Ethanol land speed record.
To learn more about the project or to get involved contact:
Mark Taylor or Paul Copperwheat at Cougar Red – Telephone 01536 525000, or contact James Powell, NTI HPE Project Manager – Tel: 01604 893078
High Performance Engineering
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