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Thread: 2 Seat, Kit built 150 mph @ 5 gph?

  1. #1

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    2 Seat, Kit built 150 mph @ 5 gph?

    I have been reading about Europe's Ultralights and I am impressed with how fast and efficient they are.

    There are multiple options that will carry 2 people/600lbs over 150mph on less than 5gph, typically with a Rotax 912. The Shark Aero (https://www.sharkaero.com/) can be built as an EAB kit, but I cannot find much information on the kit (or any that have been completed as EAB).

    I would think that the Falco F8L could come close to this if it were equipped with a Rotax 912, but you can no longer buy the kit.

    Are there any other US available kits that can meet or surpass these performance numbers?

  2. #2
    CarlOrton's Avatar
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    Sonex w aerovee at 8000’ is 150; w 120 hp jabiru 170. Fuel consumption w aerovee right at 5. Might be less with the jab.

    Carl Orton
    Sonex #1170 / Zenith 750 Cruzer
    http://mykitlog.com/corton

  3. #3

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    I don't think a 100hp Falco with an empty wt in the ~1100 lb range would have stellar performance. The original 135 hp version had a cruise speed of 120 mph. Until Alfred Scott came along, the Falco was a plans built airplane. I believe Tony Bingelis built his from scratch. So if one was a glutton for punishment, I'm pretty sure a set of plans could be found.......

  4. #4

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    Quote Originally Posted by martymayes View Post
    ...Until Alfred Scott came along, the Falco was a plans built airplane...
    Until Scott came along, the Falco was a factory-built airplane. Frati originally dismissed the idea that it could be built in basements and garages, believing the design too complicated for amateur construction. Frati's secretary helped Scott talk him into it.

    But, yeah, a 100 hp Falco would not be a worthwhile airplane.
    Bob Kuykendall
    HP-24 kit sailplane project

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    EAA Technical Counselor

  5. #5

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    Quote Originally Posted by BoKu View Post
    But, yeah, a 100 hp Falco would not be a worthwhile airplane.

    How much weight could be shaved off if it were "compositized?"

  6. #6

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    There is one carbon fiber "Falco", that came out of Oz, the Furio. I think it is a 180hp airplane.

    All used core engines cost about the same at the aircraft salvage yard. Why mess with 100hp when you can get 160 or 180 for the same price? And you don't pay less to overhaul 100hp either.

    Best of luck,

    Wes

  7. #7

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    The Shark is a great plane, a friend has one with a modified Rotax. Range with 150L 1699Nm. Cruising at 126KTAS. Check out EdgePreformance on facebook.
    Petter Jensen
    Volunteer at Depature Briefing. 1999, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018

  8. #8

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    Peter, if your figures are accurate, which I doubt, that would mean his plane has a 13 and 1/2 hour endurance. Even if possible who would need or want to sit in small plane that long?

  9. #9

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    [QUOTE=thisadviceisworthles;

    There are multiple options that will carry 2 people/600lbs over 150mph on less than 5gph, typically with a Rotax 912. [/QUOTE]

    Pipistrel VIRUS Short Wing fits fits to a tee. Two seat, 912, 147 KTS, 600 useful. (Motorglider version. Prop on the ELSA version holds it back to 120 KTS.)

  10. #10

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    You can get 5gph out of an O320 with electronic fuel injection and ignition. When I'm chasing C182's I get 5gph at about 145 mph in my Glasair II. If I'm cruising WOT (Savvy style) and 2400 RPM I get 165 mph at 6.5gph. I haven't tried 2700 RPM. My Glasair II has 500 useful load with full fuel. The new iS 915 Rotax in a lighter composite will probably put you near 200 mph under 5gph in a lighter composite.

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