Kiev Success

[catz631]

Me too,smooth as glass !

[sdemeyer]

Dick, did you have to replace your spinner with the new Kiev? Also, what model did you finally end up with?

Thanks,
Scott

[kitfox812]

If a prop can be a work of art, that sure is. My before and after pics are over in the Engine section. A friend was watching me do a 45 degree takeoff and said the prop was bent forward into a cone. I sure hope that is ok and the Carbon Fiber is strong enough to take it

[catz631]

Scott,
The spinner I had with my Warp fit fine so I used it . The prop cutouts are square and don't fit the prop planform perfectly but that's OK. Maybe later I will get the proper spinner.
I can't remember the prop model number. The info is in my prop log at my hanger (not there now)
I sure love it though ! Very quiet, smooth, and even easy on your hands during "burping".
Dick
model 4
912UL

[Monocock]

I have a 68 inch Kiev 3 blader on my 912s and getting a 5200 static is easy. It is the '263' model. Kiev also recommend the 283 (72 inch) model for the 912s. Static is achieved with a slightly finer pitch setting than on the 263 but you wouldn't need to be 'fully fine'. In a Mk 4 with a 100 hp Rotax and a Kiev, I hope your limbs are attached firmly to your body!! She is going to go like a rocket!!!!

The 283 is commonly used on the 912s as is the 263. However, on the 912 (80hp) it is generally only the 263 that is used (in the UK anyway).



PS And an update since my first post above - 25 hours on I am still very pleased with it. The pitch has stayed exactly as I set it and all torque settings remain unchanged. The spacer is now on and all is good.

[catz631]

Pete,
Monocock is correct. I used the 72inch at first on my 912UL but ended up going to the 68inch dia as the 72 did not work as well on my lower horsepower engine.
Set the pitch so that you achieve around 5200 rpm (WOT) on your take off roll and you will be good to go. (initially around 10-12 degrees on the protractor I think..Its been awhile,you will have to experiment)
Check the pitch angle on each blade when you torque it in thirds as it can change.
Ted Bryant @ Kiev is very helpful with installation info. If you can't get him, give me a call @ 850-304-7371 (cell) if you have any questions. I have installed 3 of these and love them !.
Dick

[N82HB]

I just installed the 283 Kiev on my Kitfox IV - 1200 912S. I had a 72" Warp Drive and I am not happy with what I have done. I have tweaked the pitch settings a few times and am unable to find a spot where it will compare to the Warp. That ugly old Warp is a performer! I will keep this thing on for a bit, but I am sure it will go up for sale (cheap). It is very smooth and quiet, and the start up is way nicer. But performance is what matters to me and the airspeed and vsi are saying get rid of it. If anyone has a static rpm or pitch that they think is magical I'll try it, but otherwise not impressed.

It looks great, but that is not enough for me. I am glad I still have the Warp.
Kelly

[Monocock]

Kelly

What static are you showing?
Are the blades all exactly the same pitch?
What aspect of the performance is disappointing?

I am amazed that you are unhappy with it. I know of many people who have gone from WD props to Kievs and all are amazed at the difference it makes.

[catz631]

Kelly,
If you decide to sell the Kiev for cheap, let me know.
I had to work for a while to get the pitch spot on for my aircraft but now I love it and wouldn't go back to the Warp. In fact my Warp is mounted on the wall and at some time I will sell it for cheap I think.
Dick

[N82HB]

I have flown it at two dofferent settings. Once my static was 5400 rpm and I thought that would be close enough for a flight or two. My Warp was set to the 5200 rpm limit established by Rotax. With the flatter pitch of the Kiev I figured it would be fun to try. I was climbing at 1100 fpm instead of my normal 1600. I leveled off and it was slow (90), but that was expected. I repitched it and this time the static was around 5060. Ted, from Kiev, said they will often pitch to around 5000 rpm static, even though that is against the Rotax advisory. So I thought this could be fun to try, for the cruise speed. I leveled off and got up to about 102 instead of my normal 110 to 112.

So I have found it to be slower at a cruise setting and less climb in a climb setting than my Warp in a middle setting. I am real happy about their protractor, so I am comfortable that the blades are REALLY close to the same pitch.

I love the look and it is dramatically smoother than anything else I have been near. I do like that, but the Kitfox performance is most important to me. I am not giving up yet, but getting pretty disappointed.

I am looking for help finding the magic in this propeller.

Thanks,
Kelly