Which Engine?
ceuh1v said:
Help me out a little??
I know the RV-12 will be the better aircraft for me, but I think I would prefer the Jabiru 3300 over the Rotax 912ULS -- I think?
Jabiru and Rotax are VERY different engines. I have about 10 hours flying behind each one. The Rotax is (IMHO) smoother and quieter, depending on the muffler you use. The 912S doesn't really loose much on power to the Jabiru -
Check out the Jabiru 3300's power curve - cruise power is limited to 105 Hp and I doubt you're going to get the necessary RPM to make over 110 Hp. Also, the RV-12 looks to be clean enough that you won't miss the extra 10 Hp - remember that you're limited to 120 kt level flight in LSA.
Long-term reliability of the Jaibru is unknown (good or bad). It's certainly less complex than the Rotax and is direct drive, has no water cooling, etc, but the 3300 has had its share of development problems. Cost is likely a toss-up.
Known problems with the Rotax are lead build-up in the gearbox, needing to idle about 2000 RPM to avoid excessive gearbox wear, need for carb syncing and a small alternator.
Support is an interesting issue. Neither design is made in the US. However, almost all new LSA are using the 912S because it is light, well understood and a good match to 1300 lb aircraft. This will (hopefully) allow for the formation of a critical mass of A&Ps, overhaul shops, parts vendors and flyers all using the Rotax. The only s-LSA that I know of using the 3300 is the
IndUS T-211 Thorpedo.
Van's comments on the 912s (RVator, Fifth Issue, 2005):
So why did we choose the Rotax? Because it is the best understood, most readily available and best-backed engine from an established manufacturer that fit our requirements of power, reliability and weight. As an added bonus Rotax has also qualified the 912 under the ASTM standards that apply to the LSA category.
Either engine will work well - they have the right power-to-weight ratios and are compact. I think that the Rotax will have a better support base, but the Jaibru is simpler and has the extra 10 Hp. I'm leaning towards the 912S but want to see how the RV-12 performs with each engine.