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No, you probably haven't and neither have I.

But once again, the internet comes to the rescue.

While trawling around the (use)net, I came across a reference to the "Pivotal Engine" that is being developed by Pivotal Engineering Ltd.

Claiming to offer increased power to weight/volume "while overcoming the inherent limitations of the conventional design", and having the potential to run on hydrogen (yawn), the Pivotal engine has already won at least one international engineering award.

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I have my own engineering concerns in respect to some aspects of the design but perhaps these guys have solved the obvious problems.

It might surprise you to know that this engine isn't the only revolutionary new power-plant being designed and developed right here in Godzone.

About a year ago I was lucky enough to be given a "sneak peek" at another running prototype.

I was driven to a plain looking building in an Auckland industrial area where, inside a container hidden in the bowels of a large warehouse area, a very professional looking engine was connected to a plethora of instrumentation and support equipment.

It started and ran, producing what the developers claimed was very impressive power to weight/volume ratios.

I've not seen any coverage of this development work in the media either.

And let's not forget that I'm working on my own (somewhat different) engine with very encouraging results.

This leaves me wondering just how many other Kiwi engineers are working quietly away behind the scenes -- seemingly ignored (or wishing to be ignored) by the media.

With the price of fuel now set on an endless uphill climb, could it be that our biggest export earner could be the licensing fees for a new engine design?

Nah, this could never happen, after all it was only a year or so ago that Deputy PM Michael Cullen completely dismissed the myth of the fearless Kiwi inventor coming up with worthwhile inventions in a shed somewhere.

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