I just got off the phone with a rep from Superior Air Parts, maker of the Superior XP- engine line for experimental aircraft and the certified Vantage line of aircraft engines that are used in American Champs. I was told that the company expects to emerge from bankruptcy in the next few weeks and the new owner and parent company will be Texas based Brantly International, the makers of the B2 helicopter line. The company claims the B2B is the lowest priced, certified, three blade helicopter in the world. Their original model was FAA certified in the late 50's. They are a stable aviation company. The Justice Dept. refused to let the 11.5 million buy out from Lycoming proceed and also blocked Continentals offers. Both were refused under antitrust laws and clearly interpreted to be a move to just "shut the lights off" and close the doors of the competition leaving themselves market place monopoly. Superior has been one of the largest aftermarket parts suppliers for Lycoming and Continental engines and are also the makers of the Millenium Cylinders.

It is still to be determined by the parent company if warranties for engines sold before Superior's aquisition by the new owner will be honored by them. Of course all sales going forward will carry warranty. At present I would have been in the third and final year of my warranty for the XP O 360 plus but had been notified in january that my remaining warranty time had been cancelled due to the bankruptcy filing.