Just to continue what Lou was hinting at, A class has been most popular here, on the east coast. But it hasn't been Open A with Fora's and such. Those of use who have known about the FAI engines have left them alone. Instead, we've flown Magnums, OS CV-As, Megatechs, Norvels and such. These engines run fine on standard setups, are cheap, and pull a small 2lb plane around very well. Not as fast as B class, but faster than SSC. Wingspans are usually in the 40-55inch range.

Carnage out here has been low, less than SSC actually, since the impact damage as been about the same, but the mid-airs less common, so the planes last longer in the A class here than then do in SSC, at least for me. Now, if everyone started running Fora's, that would change in a hurry. The damage per mid-air would go way up, even if the mid-air rate remained about the same.

Btw, I'm not surprised the Fora wants a smaller plane, I actually was guessing that would be the case a while back, though I was impressed with how well a Fora will pull a regular Falcon around. I'm pretty sure that if Fora's (and other such engines) become common, it would totally kill combat in this area, guys just don't want to deal with that level of cash and complexity. But if the pilots in this area continue to use some self-restraint and compete with the engines available, then I think things will go along as they are.

Anyway, what engine to buy for A class depends on where you're flying it. If you were here on the east coast, I'd suggest you think about it before spending $200 on an engine, and maybe see just how much fun these little planes are with out those engines. And realize that trying to talk someone in to getting in to combat is a lot easier if they don't have to spend that much money on an engine (and remember, you need multiple engines to be competitive).

However, if you are flying in an area where everyone is already using Fora's (if there is such a place), then I suspect you're going to have to shell out the big bucks to get started.

I still think a $200 Fora on a Spad Gnat is kinda silly. The Gnat was designed for SSC, so I'm guessing the origional poster is either flying Gnat combat, or SSC rules. If that's not the case and they are flying A rules, then ditch the Gnat and get a better handling airframe. (Nothing against the Gnat, Gnat vs Gnat looks like a TON of fun. But it won't stad up against current SSC or A designs)