Well, I seem to recall saying on here years ago the 28A would be a great trainer with less weight, more power and a governor.
Looks like thats what the TH180 is.
I have no doubt it with that weight loss, extra power and governor it will be a very capable and safe trainer. The heavy blades make entry into autorotation easy and safe and in my opinion that is not the place to save weight. The unseemly scramble to get the lever down in an R22 is not an example Enstrom should follow with a trainer.
The 28A had the makings of a great trainer but had too many 'gotchas' to compete with the R22.
Enstrom is Chinese owned. I wonder if the choice of the Lyco is aimed at the Chinese market. Its cheaper and easier to buy and maintain a piston.
I also wonder if the 390 is mogas certified. That would make a lot of sense. Except in the UK where mogas cost is all bloody tax.
There is a mogas burning 210bhp lyco 390 used in the fixed wing world.