Experimenter is a magazine created by EAA for people who build airplanes. We will report on amateur-built aircraft as well as ultralights and other light aircraft.
Issue link: http://experimenter.epubxp.com/i/108002
Turbo Power for the Kitfox Kitfox Aircraft is now offering the turbocharged Rotax 914 engine as an option on both its ready-to-fly lightsport aircraft (LSA) and its experimental/amateur-built kits. By doing so, Kitfox Aircraft expects the performance of the Super Sport 7 to increase dramatically. "The Kitfox is a good performer on 100 horsepower," said Kitfox President John McBean. "But with turbocharged 115 horsepower, it is a beast. We use our factory airplanes in the Idaho backwoods quite often, where summertime temperatures can make for very high density altitudes. The Rotax 914 is capable of maintaining takeoff power (115 hp) up to 8,000 feet and continuous power (100 hp) to 16,000 feet. As a result, the 914-powered Kitfox will take off shorter, climb stronger, and cruise faster than the 912 machine at these altitudes." The first ship to carry the Rotax 914 is being used for flight instruction in the Boise area. "The benefit in flight training is that the turbo 'extends the day' for students and instructors alike," said McBean. "The less time needed to climb to altitude or reach a remote field, the more time can be spent teaching and practicing landings." The lightweight Kitfox has true STOL capabilities. The non-turbo Kitfox takes off in 320 feet and lands in just 330 feet, and it still cruises at 122 mph. Performance testing of the turbocharged 914 version is under way and is already substantially better than that of the 912. Readyto-fly Kitfox LSAs start at $95,995 equipped. Prices for the 914 installation package have not been set. For more information, visit www.KitfoxAircraft.com. Sensenich Offers New RV Prop Sensenich has introduced its latest in a long line of ground-adjustable composite propellers for light-sport and homebuilt aircraft. Designed specifically for Van's RV class of aircraft, the new propeller features Sensenich's proprietary airfoils on a semi-scimitar planform for improved takeoff and climb performance. The blades are internal pressure molded using prepreg carbon fiber and fiberglass, featuring a co-cured leading-edge erosion shield and including an anodized aluminum hub. "We have been testing and refining this prop for three years, getting it right before introduction to the public," said Donald Rowell, president of Sensenich. "This is the first composite prop available for the RV series of aircraft that complies with the requirements of ASTM [Standard] F2506 and offers a high-performance alternative for builders of Van's designs." The RV prop features easy pitch blade indexing, with no need for protractors or other such tools; both blades achieve the same pitch simultaneously. Then tighten the bolts, put on the available balanced precut carbon spinner, and fly. Changing pitch on any Sensenich groundadjustable propeller takes literally less time than it takes to remove the spinner. The current 72-inch-diameter RV prop is designed to work on Lycoming O-320 engines, with more engine options currently being tested. Total weight of the complete prop is 18 pounds. The Sensenich RV prop is available for $3,500 through Sensenich OEMs, retailers, or factory direct, with deliveries starting in March 2013. For more information, visit www.Sensenich.com, e-mail propsales@sensenich.com, or call 813-752-3711. Belite Offers Aluminum Cabin for UltraCub Belite Aircraft is now offering an all-aluminum cabin for its UltraCub. Company President and CEO James Wiebe has written several articles on his blog detailing the construction of this cabin. Belite also reports that it has an UltraCub kit left for de- livery in March, available at $6,995, with a $2,500 deposit and the balance due 30 days before shipping. For more information, call 316-253-6746 or visit www.BeliteAircraft.com. EAA Experimenter 9