Sport Pilot Talk

Warmi wrote:I was interested in 915is as well but ....look at the price: https://www.cps-parts.com/catalog/rtxpa ... ine140.php

Damn. That is more than twice as expensive as 912 ULS - combine that with +50 lbs penalty ... I don't know.

I hear you. I think for aircraft like the Sling 4, this will be a perfect fit. I also think there are some SLSA taildragger’s that could use this engine with great performance results, especially where I’m from in Idaho! I would argue this engine will give the Titan a run for its money at high density altitudes! As for the rest of the SLSA fleet, it’s going to be hard to make it work within the LSA weight limits.

It’s just surprising how much more power it offers over the 912 ULS and maintains that power to an insane altitude.

But how much does it weight? The power-to-weight might not be much higher than a 912ULS. Though of course full power to high altitude is a huge plus. But $38k?!? I could buy two 912ULS for that and have 200hp.

MrMorden wrote:But how much does it weight?

I read somewhere that it was 190 pounds, vs. 140 for a 912ULS. But Rotax didn't design this engine with LSA in mind - I think certified aircraft are their primary market.

drseti wrote:

MrMorden wrote:But how much does it weight?

I think certified aircraft are their primary market.

I understand that, but $38k is bumping up into brand new IO-360 (180hp) money. A buddy of mine just bought one brand new from Lycoming for his RV-7 project, and IIRC it was $39,500.

MrMorden wrote: $38k is bumping up into brand new IO-360 (180hp) money.

True, but the IO360 is normally aspirated, not turbocharged. A better price comparison might be to the TSIO360. Any idea what they run?

The 915 target market is Gyros and certified aircraft. It isn't for LSA.

drseti wrote:

MrMorden wrote: $38k is bumping up into brand new IO-360 (180hp) money.

True, but the IO360 is normally aspirated, not turbocharged. A better price comparison might be to the TSIO360. Any idea what they run?

I just talked to my friend. He just bought the non certified IO360 for $26k.

I agree with most LSA aircraft on the market. The 912/914 is a perfect match for many LSA’s if only it could be fully realized with a constant speed prop.

I see this engine on a few LSA taildraggers such as the Kitfox S7 and the Just Aircraft SuperStol. Both of these manufactures have recently incorporated the Titan (180HP), 250 lbs installed weight into their designs with crazy performance but also drawbacks from increased fuel burn and weight on the nose. By shaving 30 pounds (220lbs install weight) with the 915 iS and having 141 HP available to 15,000ft, I think it would give the Titan a run for its money. A Kitfox S7 with this engine would scream!

Tecnam will have it in the Sierra MK II as well but that is most likely the only model from their lineup that will make that engine work with the empty weight regulations. Rotax also needs to release the fixed pitch gearbox for the engine as well. Who knows when that might happen. I’m just excited to see how it’s fully utilized in the future no matter what it is installed on!

jetcat3 wrote:Rotax also needs to release the fixed pitch gearbox for the engine as well. Who knows when that might happen. I’m just excited to see how it’s fully utilized in the future no matter what it is installed on!

Another good candidate would be the new Rans S-21.

Wm.Ince wrote:

jetcat3 wrote:Rotax also needs to release the fixed pitch gearbox for the engine as well. Who knows when that might happen. I’m just excited to see how it’s fully utilized in the future no matter what it is installed on!

Another good candidate would be the new Rans S-21.

It sure would be! Even a Zenith Ch 750 would be great too. Lots of applications in the Bush category I think.

jetcat3 wrote:It sure would be! Even a Zenith Ch 750 would be great too.

On that airplane, they may also have to go with swept wings! . . .

jetcat3 wrote:

Wm.Ince wrote:

jetcat3 wrote:Rotax also needs to release the fixed pitch gearbox for the engine as well. Who knows when that might happen. I’m just excited to see how it’s fully utilized in the future no matter what it is installed on!

Another good candidate would be the new Rans S-21.

It sure would be! Even a Zenith Ch 750 would be great too. Lots of applications in the Bush category I think.

Not at this price. It is just not competitive enough with UL or Titan engines imho.

Warmi wrote:Not at this price. It is just not competitive enough with UL or Titan engines imho.

I agree on that. For the price, I'd choose the Titan.

I really think that (for an LSA) price, weight, and reliability all favor the Rotax 912ULS.

If I personally had the money I’d take the 915 iS. Lighter, fuel injected, and turbo. With 141hp to 15,000ft I think it will quickly catch up with a Titan in Idaho where I think of operating the engine. I love Rotax engines though.

I really think the 914 Turbo is also a sweet spot for LSA’s with price to performance. It really is a dramatic difference over the 912 ULS even with a fixed pitch prop.

I understand what y’all are saying though. For the money, reliability, and value it is hard to beat the standard 912, UL or ULS.