Mmmm, bring on the 6 cyl, plenty of space there.
Someone's bored?
From the specs I've seen, there is about 40 pounds in it between the engines, 912 vs Jab 6cyl and that's dry. Re-drive oil and cooling fluid will mop up some of the difference; you'd really have to be a bit precious about the breed not to acknowledge the Jab - RV as an RV-12. Remember too that RV-12's are built beyond the confines of the USA and some countries don't have a speed restriction on LSA class aircraft, which I assume is the objection to running 120hp in a 12?
If I'm not mistaken Jab engines have featured in RV's before now, I have seen an engine mount described "RV-7 Jab 8cyl" somewhere before now.
My earlier comment was not aimed at the research for suitable alternate engines in the 12, but more at what seems to be an interest in hot-rodding the 12 with more cylinders, more power, more weight, etc.
Tony
This is exactly why we're starting with the 85-horse 2200.
As far as your earlier comment about "not calling it an RV-12", what about all the other alternative-engine RV's out there? Would you call a Subaru or rotary powered RV something else too? Our plane is absolutely stock except for the instrument panel and the firewall forward. And that falls squarely within the spirit of Experimental- Amateur Built.
you also have to consider the CG of the engine before making that 7" assumption. As the 2200 doesn't have a reduction drive in the front, its CG is probably more in the center of the engine block, while the 912S' is probably a bit more to the front. That might explain why the 2200 is offset more than you'd think ...
you also have to consider the CG of the engine before making that 7" assumption.
I still think the Jab/12 looks better than the original!
We seem to have ended up a long way from the origin of Katie's thread, ie RV-12 with a 2200 Jabiru 4cyl, which I suspect has had it's CofG more carefully considered and measured than a squint at an oblique image will allow. I have to say I am a big fan of the 912 but equally I think it is important to drive the competition, Rotax have had the lightweight 80-115hp market virtually to themselves for a long time and I think that is reflected in the cost of the engines and particularly parts. Competition may even drive further innovation.
I still think the Jab/12 looks better than the original!
That drawback is its SOUND.
Katie,
The main point being, I'm not going to fork over $24 grand for an engine that irritates me; regardless the non-rational reason.
Deal Fair
George West, TX (8T6)
Pete Krotje flew his RV-12 for the first time this morning-- the first RV-12 to fly with a Jabiru 2200.
Katie,
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your work on replacing the Rotax engine.
The time is approaching where I will have to go with a Light Sport Aircraft. I love Van's RV's; but was extremely disappointed they chose the Rotax engine. Let me explain why(have my nomex flame suit ready).
I will cede to the fact the Rotax engine is an extremely reliable, powerful, dependable & wonderful engine. It has one drawback, however, that apparently seems to affect no one but me. That drawback is its SOUND. To me, it sounds wimpy, although the rational part of my brain knows it is not. It just sounds like an aggravated mud dauber undergoing a colonoscopy without any anesthetic having been administered!! I hate it!!
Hey, I was born in late 1944 and have grown up in south Texas with Hellcats, Mustangs, P-47s, Bearcats, Skyraiders, S2 Trackers and other great airplanes buzzing around. My dear departed Dad was an airplane buff and we would regularly visit Rebel Fields in Mercedes & Harlingen as Loyd Nolen, Lefty Gardner and Bob Hoover prowled thru the skies in their refurbished warbirds. I LOVE the sound of reciprocating engines, RR Merlins, Allisons, Lycoming, Continental, Franklin, etc. Everything excepting Rotaxes & Subarus.
A big part of flying for me is the beautiful sound of those engines. Every time I climb onto the wing of my -4 I feel like Col. Joseph Culpepper (mythical Confederate Air Force Ace & Commander) about to go on a mission. There is something romantic & thrilling about the sounds emitting from my 0-320 Lycoming & 4 straight Vetterman pipes farting flames as I blaze off the runway @ 8T6. Man, I feel wonderful!!
I contrast that to me climbing into my friends Flight Design CT going down the runway: eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee I feel like Jim Carey on his mo-ped in the film Dumb & Dumber. It just takes the thrill out of flying for me. I'd rather feed the cows and mend fences.
The main point being, I'm not going to fork over $24 grand for an engine that irritates me; regardless the non-rational reason. Now the 6 cylinder Jabiru or the new Lyc 233 has some romantic appeal and will separate me and my hard earned money. Those engines sound, well, manly! Hey, I'm a man, can't help it. So, I'm really keeping an eye on this and saving my $$$$$$.
Thank you again for your work on this and please continue to keep us posted.
Cheers and wishing you the best in your endeavors.
Deal Fair
George West, TX (8T6)