Re: UL Option
Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2018 8:45 pm
Marc
Since no others have responded to this i will chime in. Also I may wander off the UL topic a bit
With respect to wanting substantially better performance than your Sonex, I suggest 160+hp "class" engine. I say "Class" because all engines are not a direct comparison in actual performance. The UL line is very light weight and is getting a reputation for reliability. They are rated at a much higher RPM (3300 RPM) than traditional aircraft engines (around 2700 RPM). Choice of props is critical to getting the most out of any engine, but more so with the higher RPM ULs. To get the most out of the UL the airmaster CS prop would be great , but it adds 10 k to the package?
We have about 5 UL powered aircraft under construction and only one is a 520 IS. I would not go with a 390 for several reasons (to long to go into...) The 520 will work nice and covers the points you mention. The biggest down side will be the installation . We have cowls and engine mounts , but the rest will be up to you to figure out. Ray with UL will help in any way he can, just understand it is not "plug and play". The lycoming and Corvair installs are not plug and play either, but many examples are flying well so its easier to follow a proven path.
The cost for a UL520 ISA with dual fuel pumps and computers is getting pretty high. But if a 40K+ (depending on prop) firewall forward is in your budget it may be a great choice.
Another great other option is a TItan 340. It can be configured with many induction and ignition systems from carb/mag, mechanical fuel injection/ EI, all the way to true FADEC EFI II system. It will be slightly heavier than a 520ISA. It has a much lower torque curve and many good propeller options. I think it will be hard to beat a 180 hp 340 for all out performance.I would love to get my hands on a Panther with a 0-340 and a Whirlwind RV 200 CS prop on it. I would also love to fly a UL 520 ISA powered Panther with a AIrmaster CS prop. SOooo. you guys get building and let me fly them....
For sport aerobatics , and sport/cross country work you describe, all engines will work well form a CG standpoint. At this point 75 % of the panther Acro fleet time is with standard lycoming 0-320s and they are all a joy to fly. Your light weight (sub 180lbs with chute) will work well with any of the engines.
Based on what we see reported in other aircraft a UL520 with a well matched prop should be very close to performance a 180 hp 340.
In closing SPA has OEMS with all the major engine manufacturers, so can we can help you decide on and spec the engine out to best fit your Panther. You can read that " I sell all the above engines and make a little bit on each of them so my opinion is not based on sales"
Since no others have responded to this i will chime in. Also I may wander off the UL topic a bit
With respect to wanting substantially better performance than your Sonex, I suggest 160+hp "class" engine. I say "Class" because all engines are not a direct comparison in actual performance. The UL line is very light weight and is getting a reputation for reliability. They are rated at a much higher RPM (3300 RPM) than traditional aircraft engines (around 2700 RPM). Choice of props is critical to getting the most out of any engine, but more so with the higher RPM ULs. To get the most out of the UL the airmaster CS prop would be great , but it adds 10 k to the package?
We have about 5 UL powered aircraft under construction and only one is a 520 IS. I would not go with a 390 for several reasons (to long to go into...) The 520 will work nice and covers the points you mention. The biggest down side will be the installation . We have cowls and engine mounts , but the rest will be up to you to figure out. Ray with UL will help in any way he can, just understand it is not "plug and play". The lycoming and Corvair installs are not plug and play either, but many examples are flying well so its easier to follow a proven path.
The cost for a UL520 ISA with dual fuel pumps and computers is getting pretty high. But if a 40K+ (depending on prop) firewall forward is in your budget it may be a great choice.
Another great other option is a TItan 340. It can be configured with many induction and ignition systems from carb/mag, mechanical fuel injection/ EI, all the way to true FADEC EFI II system. It will be slightly heavier than a 520ISA. It has a much lower torque curve and many good propeller options. I think it will be hard to beat a 180 hp 340 for all out performance.I would love to get my hands on a Panther with a 0-340 and a Whirlwind RV 200 CS prop on it. I would also love to fly a UL 520 ISA powered Panther with a AIrmaster CS prop. SOooo. you guys get building and let me fly them....
For sport aerobatics , and sport/cross country work you describe, all engines will work well form a CG standpoint. At this point 75 % of the panther Acro fleet time is with standard lycoming 0-320s and they are all a joy to fly. Your light weight (sub 180lbs with chute) will work well with any of the engines.
Based on what we see reported in other aircraft a UL520 with a well matched prop should be very close to performance a 180 hp 340.
In closing SPA has OEMS with all the major engine manufacturers, so can we can help you decide on and spec the engine out to best fit your Panther. You can read that " I sell all the above engines and make a little bit on each of them so my opinion is not based on sales"