This engine looks interesting especially as we may have a problem in the
future using unleaded due to the increased level of ethanol in unleaded.
Having read the links below I have a few comments to make.
1. A cruise power of 4.75gall/hr is not as impressive as I was hoping.
Even if we are talking US gallons this equates to about 19litres/hr. The
article quotes the Rotax 912 at 6.6gall/hr. This equates to
26.5litres/hr. The only time I see such a high fuel flow on my Rotax
912S is at full power. At cruise power I get 18litres/hr at 120kts.
2. They quote a 2000hrs TBO whereas the Rotax is stated to be 1200hrs.
In the Europa we are running Rotax engines uncertified on condition. I
think that it is highly likely that many will exceed 1200hrs by a
considerable margin. When starting with a new engine, for many owners
this will provide 20 years at average useage.
2. Jet-A and diesel is without doubt a better fuel for the future.
However if there is not a significant benefit in fuel flow it must be
remembered that it is denser than unleaded or Avgas. In a Europa this
adds a weight penalty of about 12lbs for each tankful. We have yet to
see a complete installed weight of the Gemini engine. I suspect that it
will have a final weight penalty of at least 20lb over a Rotax. Remember
that it will probably need a higher capacity battery.
3. Matching the engine to a prop might be an issue. In the past other
engines have had torsional load problems which finally caused them to be
impractical.
4. The Europa was designed around the Rotax. So far we have had at least
6 attempts to change to another engine. These include Subaru, Mid West
rotary, Continental O-100, Wilksch, BMW and Jabiru. Only the Jabiru has
succeeded to any meaningful degree. Let's hope the Gemini will prove to
be different.
Nigel Charles
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Fred Klein
Sent: 17 November 2007 17:18
Subject: Europa-List: Engine not selected yet?
For any of you who have yet to deal with FWF issues, recent
announcements concerning the Gemini 100/125 turbo diesel may be of
interest. Two sources of information are:
www.amtonline.com/publication/article.jsp?id=4434&pubId=1
http://dieselair.com/archives/2007_07_01_archive.html
No response as yet to an enquiry to John at E04 as to whether the
company might be considering supporting it for the Europa.
Fred
A194
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