A Viking engine in a Kitfox maybe sooner then you think!

[chefwarthog]

Last year we discuss about an alternative to the reliable Rotax 912,In the thread we question the reliability of the new HF 110, it was interesting to see the positive and negative arguments on this new engine.

Now that Jan Eggenfellner as put more then 500 hours of fight on is test engine, we can recognize the serious of is journey. I know now that John McBean and Jan as discuss about offering a front firewall package for the Viking engine... I am waiting to see that!

You ask your self where did he take this information, watch this video......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GsIo1Rn56I

Eric.

[Agfoxflyer]

The RV-12 in the video is owned by a friend of mine. Ron is very happy so for with the engine installation. He has about 75 hours on it and flew it from N. Georgia to Sebring last month. Last week end he had a fellow EAA Chapter member who owns a Rv-12 with a 912ULS fly with him, then he flew in the other plane with the same pilot. The pilot with the 912uls thought the Viking perform a little better in the same type of plane. Also remember the Viking is a little heavier than the 912uls. Other than that the planes are very similar. This wasn't a scientific test, just casual oberservations. Ron is still tinkering with prop pitch and a few other things. From what I've observed
I think the Viking would do well in a Kitfox.

[DBVZ]

Honda based engine. $13000

[rogerh12]

Here is a Honda Viking .
This is from Oshkosh 2011.

[Esser]

I'm guessing you can't pair an AFI prop to this engine though?

[chefwarthog]

For my part, I really like the way it look..... neat and clean compared to the Rotax that full of pipes, wire, and tubes.....

[Wheels]

Do you think Rotax might go fuel injected to stay ahead in the Market?

[rogerh12]

I am sure they have considered fuel injection.
Carburetors don’t need electricity to run, or high pressure fuel pumps (1/2 psi of head pressure is enough), so that may be a factor. Also, the Bings are altitude compensating, so they are pretty hard to beat. The Ellison injector carb might be a good alternative to fuel injection, it adds mixture control and only needs 2 psi to run.

Roger

[Esser]

If Rotax went fuel injected I would be all over that. Don't forget the power gain in an injected system. I heard a rumour that they were going to announce a FI Rotax in April...but I haven't heard anything else so it's probably not true.

[chefwarthog]

A Rotax 912 ULS is 22 000.00$ and use old tech..... +the Engine Component Package

A Rotax 912 ULS F.I. won't be cheaper 25 000.00 maybe, new tech new price!

The Viking come complete ready to bolt to the frame for 13 000$, if you purchase in a show like Sebring you will got it at 1 000$ discount and use new technology.... for the diffrence I could afford a Skyview system with auto pilot!!!

Hard descision to make!