I think the last few posts about choice of engines (and associated
questions) provides me the opportunity to respond from the Jabiru front.
This email list (in my opinion) isn't the place for the 'hard sell' or an
extended "my engine's better than yours" confrontation on subjective terms.
It is the home of many happy Europa / Rotax owners and I expect the usual
defensive comments from them. (I can take it!). However, I'm trying to
address questions and concerns from people who have yet to make an engine
choice.
I recognize and respect that the Rotax has been the majority leader for the
Europa; it's a great engine and the gearbox and fluid cooling systems are
there for good and well-defended reasons. However (!) I find more owners
wanting less complexity, lower RPMs and what they see and hear is a more
'traditional' air-cooled direct drive engine which is easy to maintain, has
a good TBO and track-record and is supported by a responsive service and
spares network.
It's quite true to say that certainly in UK there was little support for the
Jabiru from Europa's Manufacturer and Designer and Rotax was, and maybe
continues to be 'the engine of choice' there. By comparison here in USA my
perception (and I have witnessed both sides) is that owners and builders,
who, let's face it, have a huge candy-store variety of parts, avionics and
engines are not as 'persuaded' to follow the herd. A few early Jabiru sales
to individual builders began (about 3-4 years ago) to influence Europa
Management in USA, and I got involved with them to develop an installation
that would convince even The Boss in UK!. Shortly after getting OEM
agreements with Europa in Lakeland, the Company folded. Before and since
then our progress has been steady and I'm now confident we have an
installation that compares very well with Rotax. These things always take
longer than we'd wish, but we are starting to get real feedback from owners
who are very pleased with their Jabiru power and performance in all
respects.
I'm holding-off publishing real numbers here as I'd prefer Europa owners to
give their feedback directly. You probably wouldn't believe me anyway!
However, I can report that through attention to installation methods and
cowling design, cooling issues (perceived or real) have been overcome as
well as the belief that Jabirus are way-less fuel efficient than the Rotax.
The gap has been narrowed, for certain. Inevitably, engines today are better
than early ones; Jabiru make no apology for improving their product and the
billet-machined construction throughout has allowed them to make these
changes relatively. If facts are required, here's a few:
1. 6 - cylinder air-cooled direct drive engine developing max. power at 3300
rpm
2. Engine installed weight is 180lbs
3. Since carburetor jetting change and other production mods., measured
power on new engines is 127hp.
4. Cruise RPM is around 2700 - 2900 depending on prop, which will usually
have a diameter of between 58" and 62". Cruise fuel burn is between 5 and
5.5 US gallons per hour (4.2 - 4.6 UK gph).
5. Current cost of the engine is $14,900.00 US and the installation kit
complete with 2-blade 58 x 62 Sensenich prop. is about $3250.
We work (literally) alongside Flightcrafters here, who know more about
Europas than I ever will and they have fitted about 6 Jabirus to date. Some
remain in construction but a Monowheel has flown about 50 hours with our
installation setup and a tri-gear XS just completed its first flight last
weekend. No complaints as far as I know!
Again, I prefer to have owners report their own findings but in my view the
installation package is a success and I'm happy to defend it alongside the
competition.
Andy
Suncoast Sportplanes, Inc.
39248 South Ave. Zephyrhills, FL 33542
Tel: 813 779 2324 Fax: 813 779 2246
www.suncoastjabiru.com
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Gerry Holland
Subject: Re: Europa-List: ENGINES!
<gholland@gemini-resourcing.com>
Jos Hi!
> Good idea, and good that everybody likes his engine of choice. Now if we
> please could hear some arguments if it is not a secret? I like my empty
> space there up front,and like to know what i should like to choose.
I know that dilemma as do many others. I guess where you are geographically
placed parts and service item supply is important as well as exchange rates
affecting costs.
List out all the known Europa Power plants and apply weighting based on:
Unit Cost
Weight
Availability
Track record
Match to preferred Prop
Operating area and environment
Fuel consumption
It will at least narrow down the choice.
Regards
Gerry
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