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  #1  
Old 11-08-2012, 09:19 AM
cactusman cactusman is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 421
Default Rotax 912is Option?

Anyone think Vans might offer a 912is option sometime in the future for the E-LSA cert?

http://www.eaa.org/news/2012/2012-03-08_rotax.asp
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  #2  
Old 11-08-2012, 10:29 AM
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bigbill25 bigbill25 is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Bend, OR
Posts: 223
Default

From https://www.facebook.com/notes/vans-...81492068527838

Quote:
Yeah, we saw it too - Rotax has released a new fuel-injected version of their 912 engine.

We?d been aware of this project for some time, and the concept is exciting; but there are several reasons that, in its present form, the engine is not suitable for the RV-12.

Weight: The Rotax press release says the f.i. version weighs 6 kilograms more than the carbureted version. For the metrically-challenged, that?s 13.2 lbs - a significant increase and difficult to absorb, given the RV-12?s forward-cabin configuration and legally limited gross weight.

Size: The photos accompanying the Rotax press release make it quite clear that the engine will not fit in the RV-12 cowl. Re-designing the cowl and making new molds would be an expensive and time-consuming project, increasing the cost of the kits.

Cost: We haven?t seen final numbers, but the new engine is likely to be priced significantly more than the one we use.

We will consider the pros and cons of the new engine, but for now and the realistic future, we have no plans to offer it, either as a replacement for the existing engine or as an option.
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  #3  
Old 11-08-2012, 11:59 AM
E. D. Eliot E. D. Eliot is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: San Pedro
Posts: 1,013
Default Go for it!

If you can afford it and have the time and want to do your 12 EAB, then go for it. No doubt that someone will and no doubt, it will be successful. Are you that one?
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  #4  
Old 11-08-2012, 05:43 PM
splitty splitty is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Hervey Bay Queensland Australia
Posts: 205
Smile 912 iS

Quote:
Originally Posted by cactuspilot View Post
Anyone think Vans might offer a 912is option sometime in the future for the E-LSA cert?

http://www.eaa.org/news/2012/2012-03-08_rotax.asp
Yes would Love to see Vans or an Individual come up with this Installation myself! Would be Great!
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  #5  
Old 11-13-2012, 11:38 PM
waterboy2110 waterboy2110 is offline
 
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Location: SF Bay Area
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Default

I talked to the rep at AOPA and asked this question. He said too much of it is based around the existing design and didn't expect that to change anytime soon.
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  #6  
Old 11-14-2012, 07:13 AM
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WingedFrog WingedFrog is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 863
Default VANs not convincing!

I was never convinced by the main argument of VANs (I will pass on the even more ridiculous cowling issue): 13 more lbs of weight. Come on, this represents 2 Gallons of fuel or just 43 lbs of baggage instead of 50 or... make your pick out of this statement from VANs RV-12 brochure:
"two 210 lb people, 20 gallons of fuel and 50 lbs of baggage ? something rare in the Light Sport Category." (the healthiest pick being two 200 lb people... with lbs to spare!)
What about this more convincing reason:
"We are just out of a harrowing retrofit that we underestimated by almost a year and which created mayhem among our RV-12 builders so, we are not doing it again anytime soon"
The Rotax 912is will come when VANs gets over this, mark my word!
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  #7  
Old 11-14-2012, 02:18 PM
E. D. Eliot E. D. Eliot is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: San Pedro
Posts: 1,013
Default Updating'improving

Seems like a natural progression to facilitate installation of this engine for those who want it. It would require updating and re-certifying the kit and therefore, be expensive - I hope that Van's can afford to do this.

Guess it would depend on how many of the updated kits Van's would sell. Bottom line is economics and the future doesn't look good for me, at least. I'll be happy to someday have a flying RV-12!!!
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  #8  
Old 11-14-2012, 08:54 PM
AeroDog AeroDog is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: New London, NC (near Charlotte), Boulder, CO
Posts: 271
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by cactuspilot View Post
Anyone think Vans might offer a 912is option sometime in the future for the E-LSA cert?

http://www.eaa.org/news/2012/2012-03-08_rotax.asp
My hope is that Rotax will quit selling the non-injected engine, thereby forcing Van's hand. I know people would howl, but what's an extra $4k out of $70k?

Jerre
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  #9  
Old 11-15-2012, 04:54 AM
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Jetguy Jetguy is offline
 
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Location: Texas, Fort Worth
Posts: 1,237
Default Look into my Crystal ball!

My crystal ball says that will happen in about
5 years so don't hold your breath.
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  #10  
Old 11-15-2012, 07:20 AM
Don at Airflow Don at Airflow is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 316
Smile Rotax 912 fuel injection.

Quote:
Originally Posted by AeroDog View Post
My hope is that Rotax will quit selling the non-injected engine, thereby forcing Van's hand. I know people would howl, but what's an extra $4k out of $70k?

Jerre
For 4K you can put Airflow Performance Mechanical fuel injection on a 912.
The system has been flying for the last 3 years.

We posted this system about a year ago but had no takers due to cost. If you guys are interested in a installation on the RV-12, let me know.

Don
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