Rotax 915?

[Clark in AZ]

So, other than John McBean at Kitfox, is anyone running a Rotax 915 yet? Love to hear your thoughts on the install and of course the performance.


Clark

[Esser]

I don’t think the engine is officially released yet or it’s JUST been released. No flying examples besides the factories. Trent is getting one but I think the factory is doing his install.

[jimx1169]

Trent Palmer has his flying now. Lots of his vids on youtoob

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mefCAXRjCfA

[Yamma-Fox]

Sounds like 915 installs go north of $60k when you count all the extra pieces and canbus integration.

That and the weight comes in pretty high so I wonder if this motor might find a limited market.

[Rik]

That’s making an IO-550 look cheap.

[Esser]

Til you put fuel in a 550

[Rik]

Til you put fuel in a 550

True, until one looks at how many hours a 550 can reach and how fast the planes are. 60k for 140 hp is expensive no matter who you are.

[aviator79]

That’s making an IO-550 look cheap.

That $60K is for the whole installation, including a prop and instrumentation. The engine on its own is $30k cheaper than the list price of a new IO-550. ($10k less than street price) Also, nobody in their right mind would try to install an IO-550 on a Kitfox.

[Rik]

Obviously your missing the point here. I was making a comparison between what the cost of a Rotax is vs a more established, more powerful and more accepted engine.

I never implied someone would stuff an IO-550 into a kitfox. It was what we refer to as an analogy to draw a comparison towards value.

[aviator79]

I didn't miss your point, and wasn't trying to get personal. Just pointing out the flaw in the comparison. $60K is for a complete factory new firewall forward on the 915.