Jabiru 2200

[jrd4198]

I realize there is some information in regards to flight characteristics of KF's running the Jabiru 2200 on this site. The two or three reports I have read vary either due to make model prop ect. I would like to hear input from those who have flown or are currently flying with a Jab 2200. I would like to hear from all no matter how redundant the information seems to be, Frankly its the redundancy I am looking for.

[David McCormick]

I can give some input. I built a Kitfox Classic IV and got one of the early 80hp 2200 in 1999 it came with a Jabiru prop not sure the numbers I'd have to dig it out but changed to a Sensenich w62hj-38 I went thru all the early cylinder head overheating problems mostly caused by my installation. By replacing the heads w/ the newer ones and the new cooling ducts and making some changes to the cowling I put around 350 hrs on it with out any further problems. when the new Hyd lifter engines came out I put my engine on Barnstormers & it sold rightaway so I got the new engine in 2007 with the higher hp I was able to turn the engine more than the max RPM of 3300 so ordered a Senenich w62hj-44 prop that gives me a static 2850rpm & max cruise 3200 rpm about 105mph. I takeoff & land in some short strips over trees without any problems & have over 150 hrs on the new engine. there is another 2200 powered Kitfox IV in the same hanger I'm at, he has the later solid lifter 85hp engine and is working great

[David McCormick]

My empty wt is 633 lb but I used a lot of truck parts ( I work in a Freightliner truck parts dept) the other 2200 Jabiru powered Kitfox is around 590 empty

[Lynn Matteson]

I've flown over 750 hours behind a Jabiru 2200 with a Sensenich 62 x 46 wood prop. I've flown from Michigan to California and back and to New York and back. I chose a Jabiru because I didn't want to "follow the crowd" of Rotax flyers...I wanted something different. I've got a (now) reliable engine that cruises at 95-105 mph, or I can dial it back to 75-85 and burn 2.7 gallons per hour, thanks to being able to control the mixture "lean of peak EGT". With my new Rotec TBI-40 (fuel metering unit with mixture control), I can dial the rpm to cruise....2650-2850 for me, pull the mixture back, and enjoy fuel savings, or pour the coal to it, and "get there" at 95-105 mph.
A Rotax will probably climb out faster, but what percent of your flying is the climb?

Lynn Matteson
Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger
Jabiru 2200, #2062, 768.4 hrs
Countdown to 1000 hrs~232 to go
Sensenich 62"x46" Wood prop
Electroair direct-fire ignition system
Rotec TBI-40 injection
Status: flying

[Lion8]

Hello Lynn.
Just a quick question. What Tachometer do you use. I am about to order a 0-5000 RPM tach from West Coast manufacture. Didn't think it would be this difficult to find the right tach for a Jab 2200. I have the early 10 pole alternator.-Tom, Southern N.J.

[avidflyer]

I put about 450 hrs on a solid lifter 2200 engine in my Avid Flyer MK IV. Performance in takeoff and climb was very similar to the 582 that was in the plane before the switch. Cruise was about 10-15 MPH faster. I would probably still be flying the plane, but had a oil line that went to the oil cooler burst, and ended up landing in a to short field. I'm rebuilding it now, so it will fly again. It was a nice running engine. 912 Rotax is probably a better match for a Kitfox 4, but the Jabiru in my opinion is better than the Rotax 2 strokes. Jim Chuk

[Model2]

I'm currently flying a model 2 with 4 wings and an early 2200 (#202). Just had the engine apart due to flywheel bolt issues. Completed total overhaul and upgraded to steel rods. Engine had ~400 hrs. Engine works great now. Have about 25hrs on it now. I use a Culver 60x32 prop and fly out of a 800' strip at my house.

[cubtractor]

Sounds like it's running great Model2.

[Lynn Matteson]

Hello Lynn.
Just a quick question. What Tachometer do you use. I am about to order a 0-5000 RPM tach from West Coast manufacture. Didn't think it would be this difficult to find the right tach for a Jab 2200. I have the early 10 pole alternator.-Tom, Southern N.J.

I'm using the Grand Rapids EIS.

Lynn
P.s. this is probably late info by now...sorry.