CATTO 3 Blade Performance?

More than Van's...

......numbers, David. Craig said that I would. My -6A will true 204 MPH solo, WOT at 7500, since I asked for max cruise pitch. 200-201 two up.

Regards,

I'm truing 201 mph @ 75% and I have my prop set up for a little on the climb side since I fly out of a 1500' runway in Texas.

pierre smith said:

......numbers, David. Craig said that I would. My -6A will true 204 MPH solo, WOT at 7500, since I asked for max cruise pitch. 200-201 two up.

Regards,

Click to expand...

Hi, Guys! It really helps when you quote speed numbers to give all the details, such as baro altitude+OAT or dalt, MAP if available, definitely rpm, and sea-level HP, and if your pitot-static system has been calibrated with GPS. Please!

Better than Van's

175.4 kts = 202 mph at 2650 rpm at 75% which is higher than 8000 DA, closer to 9k. I have since adjusted aileron droop and might be going 2 kts faster, but unverified yet.

This speed observation based on NTPS 3-way method done on two different days with less than 0.5 kts difference. MAP is accurate per IFR certification instruments. OAT is accurate per darkroom thermometer checked vs. AWOS. Power % based on GRT table for which the values taken from Superior's graph in engine manual.

SJ cowl, plenum and wheel pants. Catto 3 blade, re-pitched from what Craig sent the first time. He got it just right for my preferences.

WOT at 8000 DA give 187mph, which is I believe what Van's says. It is faster at higher altitude, which surprises me. 9A w/160hp lyc and 3 blade Catto.

Bob Kelly

Thank you...

Thanks for the information.

Clearly, the Catto is a good compromise between cost, performance and good looks.

David-aviator said:

Thanks for the information.

Clearly, the Catto is a good compromise between cost, performance and good looks.

Click to expand...

It's certainly no compromise in the looks department.

Catto in rain?

I'm almost sold on the Catto, but my question is how do they do in rain?

Best mine will do is about 172.5 kts at 8500 WOT leaned to 50F ROP (2640 RPM). Prop is 66 x 76 3 blade on 180 hp IO-360. Agreed, Catto is a trade off between cost and performance. But it's smoooooth.

Like Chris I am also interested in how Cato's prop performs in rain.....in the real world. Since I live in Florida rain damage is certainly a concern when considering a composite/wood prop over a metal prop.

Jim Kinsey
Fuselage/Finish

Fish and Chips...

I bought Craigs first 2 blade RV prop for my RV4 in 99'. Performance was the best prop I tried with 150 horses. Craig is a stand up guy and has a great product and I was glad to purchase his product, very experimental for RV's at that time. During testing I flew it through rain at reduced power settings (<2200) per Craigs instructions at that time. I still managed to chip the leading edge paint down to the wood. I sent it back, got it refinished and installed Tennessee propellers clear leading edge prop tape from their website. I applied it per their instructions and it worked great. It did however have a small, noticeable effect on performance, about a 1% decrease across the board. I called this acceptable at the time.
I removed the 150HP engine, installed a 170HP with an MT fixed pitch as the final prop. The MT equalled the Catto and was nearly rain proof at any power setting.

Rob Ray
HR2 w/River boat paddle Hartzell

Here are my recent numbers

Catto 3 blade 66x74 (new style)

Weight as tested 1435#
level on autopilot at 8500'DA 2700RPM 177kts TAS
Desnsity altitude and TAS as reported by AFS3500EE

Engine is standard compression 180HP.