Please compare the flying characteristics of a Kitfox 4 and an Kitfox S7 please

[avidflyer]

Perhaps I should have done a search on this before I posted the question, but for those who have flown both, can you make a comment please? This is with both of them having 100 HP 912 ULS engines. If the ground handling is any different with both as taildraggers, please give your thoughts on that as well. Thanks, JImChuk

[68niou1]

Pretty big difference between the two, in my opinion the model IV is quite a bit more narrow and short than the 7 so you really have to be on your game with take-off/landing as it happens right now. It will force you to be a better pilot, It is very responsive. The model 7 is more forgiving as it’s longer with wider gear. Actual flying they fly about the same, 7 will be faster overall unless it’s a STI, my IV was 90-95 mph where my 7 is 105-110. Also with all the changes from the progression from the IV to 7 the cabin is way more comfortable with better sightlines.

[avidflyer]

Thanks for the reply, I suppose I should have been more specific in my first post as well. I should have specified the Classic 1200 Model 4, and added the smooth cowl on both so visibility is similar. Wonder why the 4 would be slower than the 7 if they have the same engine. It would be a good bit lighter. Thanks again, Jim

[68niou1]

Most the 4’s I’ve seen including mine had the round cowl, also no strut fairings or really good gap seals. Also doors didn’t seal as well and fairing pieces just were not as tight/clean in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Just my .02

[Slyfox]

welp. I guess you can't compare speeds between the 7 and 4. At least not mine. I have the model 4 1200. I have the 912uls, clipped wings, big tires 27.5, spring gear. I get 115mph. I have flown with scott with his model 4 1200 that he had and had to pull the power, for he did 90mph. I flew with paul with the black pearl a couple years ago, he had the model 7 with the 912is motor and he also did 90mph I had to pull back about half power with him also. so comparing speeds between the two, well that one isn't true.

[jrthomas]

I think if you compared a model 4 to a model 7 that are identically equipped, the model 4's performance would be superior. It would for sure be superior in climb and stol. Cruise speeds should be pretty close to equal. I have a long wing model 4/1200/912ul with Grove gear, 22" Desser's and a Kiev prop. It has all the Speedster options. I also have streamlined jury struts and horizonal struts. At 5000rpm I get a solid 105mph and at 5500 I get 115+. I can get a solid 1300 fpm climb solo in this cool air. My flying buddy also has an identically equiped model 4 speedster with 100hp. That extra 20 horsepower shows. It's performance is really impressive. Both planes are the 1200 gross weight. I have not flown a model 7. It may be slightly more docile but the model 4 is pretty docile too, especially compared to one of my friends model 2 I used to fly. The model 4 in in a class of its own. The models 1 thru 3 are a different animal and the models 5 the 7 are more refined.