>
>Shown in the tent were 2 props
>#1 was the Whirlwind 2 blade, VP, hydraulic.......No info on performance of
this prop on a Europa. I do not believe
>it has been flown yet.
Might add that the cost of this prop is not insignificant! Whirlwind is
quoting $4,500 for the prop, and the required governor will run you an
additional $1,000 to $1,500, depending upon your choice of governor and the
source from which you obtain it. It's a beautiful piece of equipment.
According to Whirlwind, it had been "successfully" run in a test cell for
the past two months or so, on both a 912 and a 914 (I believe he said) and,
as you are reading this, it should be on its way back to California. Prop is
to be installed on Kim's airplane for actual flight testing, which should
begin in the next few weeks. If you can afford it...and it works...it will
be an attractive option for the "rich and famous."
>
>#2 was the electric Airmaster AP308 VP prop by Aero Trading Ltd. from
>New Zealand.
I had the pleasure of flying behind this prop, and it is a very nice piece
of hardware. Again...not cheap! Since Sun 'n Fun ended, a different set of
blades has been installed on the same hub, and those blades were first flown
earlier thismorning. The intent of the new blades, as I recall, is to
optimize top-end performance without sacrificing its already impressive
cruise/economy. I'm sure you will be hearing more about this propeller in
the not too distant future.
A third propeller is being test flown on the tri-gear, and, according to Bob
and Lee, the initial impressions are quite favorable. An previous and lesser
pitched version of that propeller, a Prince two-blade, fixed pitch, P-tip,
has been flown on the tri-gear with pleasing results. Unfortunately, the
"new" prop, with an additional two inches of pitch, was not installed in
sufficient time to permit it being flown prior to the show. It did attract
considerable attention while on static display at the show. I'm sure you'll
be hearing more about this particular propeller. At first glance, the two
blades do look a bit unusual on a Europa. The prop itself is a beautiful
piece of workmanship, and it will offer yet another option to those of us
who are "budget builders."
John...what a pleasure renewing your acquaintance and working with you at
Sun 'n Fun. Missed you the last couple of days. -Ed Lindsay-
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