Came across the Hatz Bantam. The Hatz CB-1 is a really nice design, even if the bantam in my opinion lost a bit of the CB-1’s (or actually the Hatz classic) looks, I suspect that it flies much better then the original design. Actually most designs could use the 200 puond weight loss the usage of the Jabiru engine gives…
Have a look…

I underestimated the workspace issue. Even after mailing most eaa members at Gillespie airfield, all official ‘landlords’ and pulling a string or two it was impossible to find workspace. Or rather I found one: $1500 per month! A bit out of my league.
Add to that that most transport companies don’t even bother to respond on the transport between Ct and San Diego (and the single one that did ask more then the total going from Ct across the Atlantic to Sweden) I decided to ship the kit directly to Sweden and resume work when I get back home.
I will try to find someone to share the container with since I will need only half of it.. If I succeed it would reduce the freight cost further.

The kit comes with the Lycoming O-320 engine mount. If I want to keep it simple I should stick with that. It is a economical option as well since most experimental builders today want the IO-360 so the O-320’s are usually sold at really attractive prices.
Downside would be performance: Shorter strips is out and that there is a race or two that I would like to attend and with the 320 there is simple not enough oumph available. A O-320 is many times delivering below 120Hp at the prop. The 150/160 official figure is on a new engine with no muffler or accessories.
Giving a renesis conversion some serious thinking right now, there is no money to be saved on such a convertion in comparison with a O-320. But 200+ Hp with lower weight then the 320 it is interesting…


The renesis is Mazda’s latest Wankel generation. With the ports relocated compared to earlier generations the design got rid of the emission and reliability problems.
As close to a turbine as I will ever get.