Military engines available to civilians

by Bob Wonders on 22 Mar 2008 High-tech Evinrude multi-fuel outboards (MFE) that have powered US military units including the US Marines and Navy Seals are now being offered for sale to the general public through authorised BRP/Evinrude dealerships worldwide.

Roch Lambert, vice president and general manager Outboard Marine Engines, said the MFE engines were aimed at consumers who are adventurous and like exploring out of the way waters.

'These engines are made tough for harsh military use; they carry the same benefits as all Evinrude outboards, strong performance, lasting reliability, low maintenance and lots of power,' he said.

'For consumers who want to do more, there’s really no other engine like it,' he added.

Designed for flexible use of multiple fuels in harsh, demanding mission applications, the Evinrude MFE outboards are capable of running on kerosene, various aviation fuels and standard gasoline.

The engine’s fuel selection can be altered with the simple flip of a switch, with no compromise to performance.

By adapting innovative design elements from the splendid Evinrude E-Tec technology, the MFE engines meet a Common Fuels Initiative, a US Department of Defence mandate that will require all US military forces to use common fuels by 2010.

The mandate says simpler logistics and increased safety will result.

According to BRP, other competitive technologies, due to their large number of moving parts and complex valve systems and air passages do not allow this capability.

The two-cylinder, 55hp engine is rope-started with a convenient break-down tiller steering arm.


The custom military design, created for stealth operations, includes minimal engine noise, low emissions, a wrap-around assist handle a tilt-assist strap for ease of lifting and a matte black tactical colour scheme.

It is available in two variations, a propeller model (E55MRL) and a jet propulsion model (E55MJRL).