The Paradigm of Efficiency

Today I will present two aircraft that are efficient examples of a new direction in the Kitplane/LSA marketplace.  With the insane trends in 100LL avgas pricing, and no clear solutions for a cost effective universal aviation fuel, the economics of aircraft operations are more important than ever.  Reading the various kitplane forums, it is not hard to find thread discussions which display the many concerns related to operational costs.  The fuel costs alone have become a significant factor for many builders and buyers in their Kitplane/LSA selection.  When the Kitplane/LSA community is looking at over $5.00 a gallon for 100LL avgas, it makes complete sense why there is a logical focus on aircraft efficiency.  The competition of efficient aircraft designs is a welcome direction in my opinion, and some of the brilliant efforts are definitely worth a detailed review.

Our first Paradigm of Efficiency is the Phoenix S-LSA Motorglider.  The all composite Phoenix can be considered a multi-role LSA aircraft, with designed versatility to perform multi-missions.  At first look, you can see the foundation of a glider design.  After additional review, you see the intelligent multi-role capabilities throughout the design. The smart 2 seat Phoenix is set up as a taildragger with quick adjustable wing sections (36 or 49 ft wing span options).  This is a 100 Hp Rotax 912 ULS powered LSA with a manual feathering Woodcomp Varia 1.6 prop.  Flight reports rave about the interior comfort and excellent flying characteristics - this is just a very exciting direction for LSA buyers.

To highlight the Phoenix LSA cross country efficiency let's take a look at some numbers - 36 ft wing span option - cruise 900 nm (approx 8 hours) at 118 knots at 5,000 rpm with 26 gallons total fuel (two 13 gal tanks).  For glider operations - 49 ft wing span option - 32:1 glide ratio, 20,000 ft service ceilings, and 1000 fpm powered climb dual (1200 fpm solo).

AVweb Video Review

Courchevel Dreams!

Reference Section -

Phoenix Air USA  -  http://www.phoenixairusa.com/Home_Page.php

The second Paradigm of Efficiency covered in this report is the Pipistrel Virus SW.  This is another all composite and extremely efficient design. The Pipistrel Virus (Vee-Roos) is actually a very fast airplane with bragging rights low fuel burn - 3.0 gph at 120 kts!  The VNE for the Virus is set at 163 kts with a turbulence penetration speed of 130 kts.  Build the Virus as an Experimental category aircraft and you have one heck of a cross country speedster (of course the LSA version is speed limited to 120 kts for max straight and level speed).  You can order a Virus with a 80 Hp or 100 Hp Rotax 912 engine and 3 blade in-flight adjustable prop (LSA version has the flight adjustable prop disabled to meet the category requirements).  Set power to 75% in the 100 Hp option and you can hit cruise speeds of 147 kts!

The Virus SW has up to a 7.5 hour endurance with 26 gallons total fuel (approx 765 to 890 nm range).  The standard empty weight is approx 635 lbs with 1320 lbs as the max structural weight - this leaves a total payload of more than 660 lbs.  Full fuel payload is listed at approx 497 lbs - more than adequate for two large pilots and some baggage.  A superb interior with Audi designed seating - how can you go wrong?  Class leading speed, extended range, and up to a 20,000 ft service ceiling, makes the Virus SW a champion of efficiency!

Aero TV Review

Pipistrel Business Story

Reference section -

Pipistrel Factory website - http://pipistrel.si/plane/virus-sw/overview

Pipistrel USA - http://pipistrel-usa.com

Just Aircraft Highlander - Dead Stick Ops!

High wing [check] STOL ready [check] Taildragger [check] Balloon tires [check] 3 bladed prop [check] ready to build kit [check] under $80 grand [check]

Just Aircraft Highlander ready for duty sir!

If your researching kitplanes with backcountry capability, the Just Aircraft Highlander is very hard to beat.  This rugged two seat kitplane was designed for those with a mission - up to 705 lbs Useful Load - extra large cargo area behind the adjustable seats - cabin area and seating that can accommodate pilot/passenger up to 6' 7" tall and 250 lbs - fold down flat cabin seats for in aircraft sleeping - this is the complete remote area Bush Plane!

The Highlander fuselage, tail, and landing gear, is fabricated from high quality 4130 chrome-moly steel.  The unique wing is designed with airfoil construction and has the capability to fold back in just a few minutes (no disconnecting of any controls or control surfaces needed). Also, the wing folding can be done solo and makes for efficient aircraft storage.

The common engine choice for the Highlander is a 100 hp Rotax 912 ULS, with some builders opting for Rotax 914 Turbocharged, Jabiru 3300, or UL Power 350 variants. Builders on forums mention cruise speeds in the 105 to 110 mph range, which are decent considering this is a kitplane targeted to the backcountry flyer.  You can buy the Highlander in ready to build kit form (factory estimated 700 hour build time) or completed as a ready to fly S-LSA. Take a look at all the details below and you will see why this is such an excellent backcountry aircraft.  

Just Aircraft Highlander Specs

Performance with the Rotax 912 ULS 100 hp @ 1320 lbs

VNE                                                           130 mph

Cruise                                                        110 mph

Stall w/flap @ 40 degrees                          27 mph

Stall clean                                                   32 mph

Take off roll                                                 300 ft

Take off distance to 50 ft                            800 ft

Ground roll                                                  300 ft

Landing distance from 50 ft                        1000 ft

Climb rate                                                    880 fpm

Highlander Weights and Loading

Gross weight                                                1320 lbs

Empty weight w/912 ULS                             615 - 750 lbs

Useful load                                                   up to 705 lbs

Don't miss this!  Watch the Highlander perform Dead Stick Ops in some serious backcountry action...hold on tight!

 

Just Aircraft factory grass strip...take a demo flight!

Reference section -

Just Aircraft factory site - www.justaircraft.com

Wild West Aircraft - www.wildwestaircraft.com

Van's Aircraft - Go aluminum and go often!

The year was 1973 when the first RV-3 was flown out to Oshkosh for the Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in.  As of late 2011, there have been over 7,400 completed Van's Aircraft kits.  Van's Aircraft is by far one of the most well known and respected kit aircraft manufacturers in the world.   The Van's Aircraft designs have always been seen as the sportier side of the experimental aircraft community.  With solid aluminum construction and great overall performance, it is very easy to see why Van's has such an excellent following.  

Fly Kitplanes Blog has information below on the current range of Van's Aircraft available to the kitplane builder.  For those who want to build a very sporty 2 to 4 seat kitplane, with well established performance, then take a look through the Van's Aircraft range....I am sure you will find something you like!


First step is a quick factory tour -

A good look at the Van's Aircraft kit components -

Let's take a look at some of the Van's Aircraft choices -

RV-4

RV-7

RV-8

RV-10

RV-12

Main website for complete details on the entire line of available Van's Aircraft - www.vansaircraft.com

 

Now for some Van's Aircraft flying -

Check out this excellent forum of Van's builders and flyers - http://vansairforce.net/

Sling 4 Kitplane - Around The World Flight

Most builders who are considering various Kitplane capabilities usually are not thinking about flying around the world.  Kitplane builders many times bias their build selection to fit their regional flying environment, while others do consider extended cross-country operations.  Maybe you want 4 seats with solid cross-country cruise speeds, so a RV-10 may come to mind.  If you wanted mountainous backcountry flying abilities, you might take a look at the Just Aircraft Highlander.  Frequently, the selection of a Kitplane is dictated by the primary flying mission the builder is looking to target.

If you really wanted to, could a modern day Kitplane be trusted to fly around the world?  How about the Epic LT?  Sure it could fly around the world, but that is an executive class turbine powered beauty!  For this question of flying a Kitplane around the world, I would like to present a recently developed example of sleek efficiency.  The aircraft detailed below is a 4 seat low-wing design, built primarily from aluminum, with a turbocharged Rotax 914 forward of the firewall.  This same aircraft has just completed a trip around the world....yes indeed, how is that for capability!  As you will see, The Airplane Factory out of Eikenhof, South Africa has definitely demonstrated the potential for ignoring limiting beliefs.   Let's take a look at this smart new design that has opened many eyes in the Kitplane world - I introduce you to the Sling 4!

Take a look at this great video covering the Sling 4 aircraft launch at Tedderfield Airfield South Africa -

James talking about the EFIS in the Sling 4 -

Here is a final video as the Sling 4 arrives back in South Africa after completion of a round the world trip.  The Airplane Factory set a very ambitious goal, to fly their new Sling 4 aircraft around the world, and I feel their accomplishment will be rewarded with great respect -  CONGRATULATIONS on a job well done!

Sling 4 Overview and Specs - http://www.airplanefactory.co.za/sling4atw_aircraft.asp

Reference Section -

Factory website for The Aircraft Factory - http://www.airplanefactory.co.za/default.asp

US Sling Aircraft Distributor - http://airplanefactory.com/

Kitplane Engines - Lycoming IO-233

The next Kitplane engine highlighted here is the brand new Lycoming IO-233 / O-233 built specifically for the LSA and Kitplane market.  The IO-233 is a four cylinder, air-cooled, horizontally-opposed piston aircraft engine that produces between 100 hp (2400 RPM) and 116 hp (2800 RPM).  This engine is a modernized version of the previous Lycoming O-235 with engineered weight reduction and modern engine ignition technology.  The new design features include the incorporation of throttle body fuel injection with an optimized air induction system and dual electronic ignition, or optionally a carburetor in place of the throttle body injector to save further cost and weight.  There is substantial overall weight reductions and improvements in engine size to target the IO-233-LSA for today's Light Sport Aircraft market. The engine is also approved for 2,400 hour time between overhaul (TBO) intervals giving it one of the longest Light Sport Engine TBOs in the market today.  To offer pilots fuel options, this engine is approved for the use of 100LL or 93 AKI automotive (MOGAS) based fuels that conform to Lycoming specifications.

The initial standard version of the Lycoming 233 series engine is carbureted. Lycoming continues to incorporate input from pilots and manufacturers all over the world, which will result in both carbureted and injected configurations of the product.  Here is a very sharp looking Kitfox Super Sport with a Lycoming O-233 (carbureted version) installed -

Informational videos covering the Lycoming IO 233 / O-233 engines;


IO-233 Component View - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEiu8OzNxQg&feature=related

Kitfox Super Sport Fly-by with O-233 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIJUBBmeLZA&feature=channel_video_title

AvWeb IO-233 Review - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ_act-nDbE&feature=player_embedded

Falcon Renegade with IO-233 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mCK6W5bPMs&feature=relmfu



Reference Section -

Lycoming Factory - http://www.lycoming.textron.com/news-and-events/press-releases/release-07-26-10b.html

Lycoming 233 Series pdf - http://www.lycoming.textron.com/news-and-events/pdfs/233-engine.pdf

Kitplane Engines - UL Power

The UL Power series of aircraft engines is a newer offering that is starting to get some traction in the Kitplane community.  UL Power series engines are a conventional design with air-cooled, direct drive, horizontally opposed four-cylinder layout.  This truly modern engine features FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) with multi-point electronic fuel injection, and dual electronic ignition (with variable timing), excellent power-to-weight ratio, and high fuel efficiency.  UL Power has several lightweight models ranging in power from 97 hp to 130 hp.  The modern FADEC equipped UL Power 260 and 350 series of engines can be run on AVGAS or MOGAS.

UL Power Details and Highlights;

The design of this new line of engines was based around critical issues such as reliability, light weight, excellent performance, a direct propeller drive and modern, proven technology:

• Modern Technology four-stroke, air cooled, four-cylinder opposed engine
• Dual (redundant) electronic spark ignition (variable timing)
• Multi-point electronic fuel injection with automatic altitude and temperature compensation
• Electronic RPM limiter
• Direct propeller drive
• Wet sump forced lubrication with integrated pressure regulator
• 5 bearing crankshaft with thrust ball bearing
• Ram air cooled cylinders and cylinder heads
• High fuel efficiency
• No carburetor icing problems
• Excellent power to weight ratio
• Electric fuel pump and pressure regulator to eliminate vapor lock and facilitate starting even under adverse conditions

A video overview of UL Power components - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN7I4XVBsKQ&feature=player_embedded

Summary of Engine Model Specifications:		UL260i	UL260iS	UL350i	UL35iS
	Displacement (cc / cu. in.)	2592/158	2592/158	3503/214	3503/214
	Compression Ratio	8.16:1	9.1:1	8:1	8.7:1
	Torque (max. ft. lbs.)	152.7	177	225	236
	Power (max HP)	97	107	118	130
	Weight (installed, lbs.)	159	159	172.8	172.8

Several videos featuring UL Power aircraft engines;

UL350is ground run up - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zmR1po0KfY&feature=player_embedded

CH 650 B with UL350is in testing - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoJnl8XwDtE&feature=player_embedded

AvWeb features the UL260i - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYm7pUR_I6A&feature=related

STOL CH 750 with UL260i in testing - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngN3y7kIs4g&feature=related


Reference Section -

UL Power Factory - http://www.ulpower.com/

UL Power North America - http://www.ulpower.net/

Zenith Aircraft UL Power Page - http://www.zenithair.com/kit-data/zac-ulpower.html

Kitplane Engines - Jabiru 3300

The next engine discussed today in my coverage of Kitplane engine choices is the Jabiru 3300.  The Jabiru 3300 is a six-cylinder direct-drive air-cooled engine from Jabiru Aircraft Pty. Ltd. (Australia).  This engine is designed to run on AVGAS 100LL or Auto Gas 91 Octane Minimum.  The Jabiru 3300 has gained in popularity with builders due to rated power of 120 hp @ 3300 RPM (107 hp @ 2750 RPM).  The Jabiru 3300 is a very smooth running engine which takes advantage of the inherent dynamic benefits of 6 cylinders (as compared to many of the 4 cylinder engine choices).  Good power and smooth operation make this 3300 a smart choice.

Jabiru 3300 Details and Highlights as follows;



ENGINE DETAILS: JABIRU 3300

• Four Stroke, 3300cc (200 cubic inches)
• 6 Cylinder Horizontally Opposed
• Weight: 180 lbs. (81 kg.) incl. Exhaust, Carburetor, Starter Motor, Alternator & Ignition System & Accessory pack.
• Machined Aluminum Alloy Crankcase
• Overhead Valves (OHV) - Push Rod Operated
• Wet Sump Lubrication
• Direct Propeller Drive (no reduction unit)
• Dual Transistorized Magneto Ignition
• Alternator - 20 Amp
• Electric Starter
• Mechanical Fuel Pump
• Naturally Aspirated - One Pressure Compensating Carburetor
• Engine TBO - 2000 Hours
• Engine Case and Internal Parts Are Machined From Solid Bar or Aluminum Billet
• Ignition - Dual Separate Magnetos With Redundant Distributors and Plugs
• No Points Used - No Battery Power is Required For Operation

I have several videos below so you can get a real life look at the sharp looking Jabiru 3300;


Great Jabiru 3300 Instalation video -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhKkKoZvASM&feature=related


Zenith CH 750 takeoff with Jabiru 3300 power -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp5qW1p8aMQ&feature=related

Rans S-19 with Jabiru 3300 power -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CNcDxd-YBc



Reference Section -


Jabiru Factory - http://www.jabiru.net.au/

USA East Distribution and Support - http://www.usjabiru.com/3300.html

USA West Distribution and Support - http://www.jabirupacific.com/specs/3300.htm

Kitplane Engines - Rotax 912 / 914 Series

Today I will cover some of the current engines used by various Kitplane companies and builders. There are both air-cooled and liquid-cooled powerplant options, and I will take a look at a few of the common choices available. The engine choices I will document today are in the 90 hp to 130 hp range which fits with the horsepower requirements for many Kitplanes. For Kitplane builders, one of the criteria for engine selection is the type of fuel used and I will point out those details. I wanted today's blog post set up as a Kitplane engine reference guide, so you will see many informational links throughout this posting.

The first engine I will cover here is the well known Rotax 912 and 914 series. The Rotax 912 / 914 series are 4-cylinder, 4-stroke liquid/air cooled engines with opposed cylinders. The 914 series is similar to the 912 but has turbocharging added for better performance at higher altitudes. Both the 912 and 914 offer a 2000 hour TBO (Time Before Overhaul) and over 15,000 units have been sold worldwide. There is wide range acceptance for the Rotax engines throughout the Kitplane market and this engine has become a very popular choice. This series of Rotax engines are approved for the use with Ethanol E10, MOGAS, and AVGAS fuels.

Rotax 912 and 914 (Turbocharged) series basic details;

4-stroke, 4 cylinder horizontally opposed, dual spark ignition engine, one central camshaft, pushrods, OHV -

• Liquid cooled cylinder heads, ram air-cooled cylinders
• Dry sump forced lubrication
• Heavy duty electric starter and starter relay
• Dual breakerless, capacitor discharge ignition
• Rectifier/regulator
• Electronic dual ignition
• Integrated reduction gearbox (i=2.43) with slipper clutch
• Integrated AC generator
• Mechanical (engine driven) fuel pump
• R.F.I. suppression
• 2 carburetors

Now I want to show you a few videos that showcase the Rotax 912 series engine;

"Aero-TV" 912 Intro - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Gp8HjONlKw

Short 912 Intro/Update video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne9OiHslMIM

Detailed 912 Intro/Update video made for ASA - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tMZhdZBuPA&feature=related


Reference Section -

Full Rotax 912 specs/details - http://www.rotax-aircraft-engines.com/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-62/85_read-69/

Full Rotax 914 spec/details - http://www.rotax-aircraft-engines.com/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-59/86_read-70/


The Central USA Rotax Independent Service Center - http://www.leadingedge-airfoils.com/index.htm

Kodiak Research Ltd (North American Distributor) -
http://www.kodiakbs.com/

Rotax Owners Association - http://www.rotax-owner.com/

Flying the Rans S-7S Courier

Over the weekend I had the great opportunity to take a trip in my local flying area in a S-7S Courier.  I have never flown in any of the Rans high wing aircraft and I have to say this was definitely a treat.  The S-7S I flew had just been fully upgraded to the latest model specs and is very similar to the new 2012 model Rans S-7S kit.  You can buy the S-7LS version as a fully built factory LSA (Light Sport Aircraft) or you can order the S-7S kit and build it yourself - so either option is available.

I would say a person could build out a very nice S-7S for around $70,000 and that is a completely built, painted, and ready to fly aircraft.  I spent some time looking over the S-7S in detail and I was very impressed by the overall kit design and components used.  All the hardware and component pieces that are a part of the kit look exceptional in quality and appearance (and that is coming from a 20 + year A&P).  I noticed details like windshield fitment and nose cowling alignment were very clean - no gaps or odd fitting areas.  Even fine component and assembly hardware detailing is found throughout the tandem seat interior (pilot front / passenger aft).  The Rans S-7S is just a very complete kit with sharp attention to the details - it was not hard to find the quality in this beautiful Kitplane!

The first thing I noticed while getting ready to fly the S-7S was good seat positioning, interior room for a tandem, and overall visibility.  Once you rollout for takeoff and get airborne the visibility is just awesome!  Enjoying some low and slow sightseeing or looking for traffic in the pattern is done with ease in the S-7S - the view from both front and aft seating positions is perfect.  Also, you can leave one of the doors latched full up and open during flight without a problem ( at moderate speeds and below).

The S-7S I flew was equipped with the typical 100 hp Rotax 912 series engine we see in many Kitplanes these days.  The Rotax 912 works out very well in the S-7S Courier and provides cruise speed around 110 mph.  With Rotax 912 power, the S-7S leaves the ground early on takeoff and short field operations are at your service.  Take a look at the S-7S full specs for additional details;

Rans S-7S Factory Specs ----->  http://www.rans.com/build-it-yourself-kits/152


Flying the S-7S is a delight with flight control stick forces that are weighted properly and never feel overly sensitive.  The S-7S is easy to fly with cable operated Aero-Servo Differential ailerons and rudder (Rans uses ball bearing aircraft cable pulleys for very smooth control feel).  The elevator is operated by push-pull tubes and the aircraft kit comes standard with electric elevator trim.  The S-7S was a treat to fly and I think this is an excellent aircraft choice for those looking into high-wing Kitplane options.  Take a look at this recent Rans video for an overview of the current 2012 S-7LS Courier (Light Sport factory built version);

Rans S-7LS -----> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvZP46YtCl0&feature=player_embedded

Zenith Aircraft

Today I want to showcase one of my favorite Kitplane companies - Zenith Aircraft.  I do love many aircraft designs from the wide range of Kitplane companies, but I really appreciate what Zenith Aircraft brings to the market.  This August I traveled north to the Zenith Aircraft factory in Mexico, Missouri to see the great aircraft they are building.  What I found at the Zenith Aircraft factory was an exceptional team with great hospitality.  Everyone I talked with on a tour of their factory was very helpful as I asked questions, and I could feel their passion for the products they build!  I was very impressed to say the least.....top tier Kitplane company in my book!

Zenith offers several different aircraft for the Kitplane builder and they have some recent design upgrades.  I want to showcase two Zenith Aircraft that have had recent design and features upgrades.....so let's take a look;





CH 750 (two seat)

The CH 750 is a STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) design that is extremely capable for all kinds of flying missions.  Now I want you to watch a really good video that highlights the CH 750 kit components and how the build process works.....check it out;

For those with any mechanical aptitude or an interest in working with your hands (and your brain....LOL!) can you see how this could get addictive?!?  This is a GOOD addiction!

CH 650 B (two seat)

To see what these Kitplanes look like before they are packed and shipped to builders, our next video details a CH 650 B as kit components;

I hope the videos presented here gave you a good overview of the sharp Kitplanes from Zenith Aircraft!  For additional in depth details about the excellent Zenith Aircraft company check out their site -  www.zenithair.com