Well after several months of wait, I finally installed a Catto 3 blade propeller (66X76) on my RV8. First, a little background. I purchased a flying RV8 in Feb. of '04. It is equipped with a stock Aerosport O-360, 180 H.P. The propeller was a 72X85 Sensie - as provided by Van's. The airframe is very light (1056 lbs.) and straight.
As far as cruise and top end performance - it is fast. It will outrun most of the constant speed equipped aircraft, even a couple of 200 H.P. aircraft. But, top end performance has a price - it took nearly 800ft. to get airborne, and climb performance was relativly poor until 125 KIAS was obtained. The propeller and engine combination was very smooth - especially after Leroy @ 52F dynamically balanced it.
NEW AIRCRAFT
The Catto arrived via USPS - I had already purchased a prop extension kit from Sabre machine shop in Granbury, TX - The man is a real artist! The propeller was installed per Catto's instructions, including the pre-fitted spinner.
The start up was very different - no lurching or swaying from the inertia of the big Sensie - just a smooth running and quiet powerplant. Taxing to the runway I could tell that this was a new aircraft - the sound and feel is totally different. The takeoff run is much shorter and the tail came up very quickly.
The climb performance was outstanding. The air was very bumpy that day so I decided to wait on the performance numbers - Besides, I already made an appointment with Leroy for a dynamic balance.
Again, Leroy did a fantastic job - it is like flying behind a turboprop!
On Wednesday, my dear sweet wife and I had to go to her family thanksgiving get together in KLBB., what better time to get some real world numbers - especially given the weight that we would be at - why do all women pack as if they are moving home??
Brake release weight was 1800LBS.+++. To my suprise, we were airborne in less than 700ft. and climbing at better than 1300FPM.
After reaching 8500, cruise power was set up (68%) and the other fuel tank was selected(1hr.). With a power setting of 2550/19in hg., the Dynon said our TAS was 174KT. This was confirmed by the trusty E6B. After arriving in KLBB, the tank that was used for 1hr was serviced - 8.4 gallons.
One other plus was noted while playing - It will finally slow down !! those of you that fly with the Sensie, know what I am talking about. I used to overtake everyone on the formation break - not anymore - from a 165KT., std 2G break, I am now @ 100KT while rolling wings level on downwind.
Not only that - but landing is easier - pull it to idle and it stops flying.
As far as noise and smoothness - a world of difference, both in the cockpit and on the outside. Everyone says that it sounds like a 540 flying over - less propeller noise and more engine growl.
Initial performance numbers
72X85 Sensie 66X76 Catto
ALT 2500 power TAS ALT 2500 power TAS
2300/21 159 2300/20 158
2450/22 163 2450/22 162
2550/24 171 2550/23 170
2700/26 185 2700/26 186
Rate of climb
1600# gross weight 1650 gross weight
2500-5500 MSL 1100FPM 2500-5500 1600FPM
Summary
The speed numbers are almost identical - but the takeoff,climb performance, and comfort level are superior - not to mention almost 20# less weight!
If you cannot afford or don't want the weight of a constant speed propeller, the Catto Prop is very much worth your consideration!
As far as cruise and top end performance - it is fast. It will outrun most of the constant speed equipped aircraft, even a couple of 200 H.P. aircraft. But, top end performance has a price - it took nearly 800ft. to get airborne, and climb performance was relativly poor until 125 KIAS was obtained. The propeller and engine combination was very smooth - especially after Leroy @ 52F dynamically balanced it.
NEW AIRCRAFT
The Catto arrived via USPS - I had already purchased a prop extension kit from Sabre machine shop in Granbury, TX - The man is a real artist! The propeller was installed per Catto's instructions, including the pre-fitted spinner.
The start up was very different - no lurching or swaying from the inertia of the big Sensie - just a smooth running and quiet powerplant. Taxing to the runway I could tell that this was a new aircraft - the sound and feel is totally different. The takeoff run is much shorter and the tail came up very quickly.
The climb performance was outstanding. The air was very bumpy that day so I decided to wait on the performance numbers - Besides, I already made an appointment with Leroy for a dynamic balance.
Again, Leroy did a fantastic job - it is like flying behind a turboprop!
On Wednesday, my dear sweet wife and I had to go to her family thanksgiving get together in KLBB., what better time to get some real world numbers - especially given the weight that we would be at - why do all women pack as if they are moving home??
Brake release weight was 1800LBS.+++. To my suprise, we were airborne in less than 700ft. and climbing at better than 1300FPM.
After reaching 8500, cruise power was set up (68%) and the other fuel tank was selected(1hr.). With a power setting of 2550/19in hg., the Dynon said our TAS was 174KT. This was confirmed by the trusty E6B. After arriving in KLBB, the tank that was used for 1hr was serviced - 8.4 gallons.
One other plus was noted while playing - It will finally slow down !! those of you that fly with the Sensie, know what I am talking about. I used to overtake everyone on the formation break - not anymore - from a 165KT., std 2G break, I am now @ 100KT while rolling wings level on downwind.
Not only that - but landing is easier - pull it to idle and it stops flying.
As far as noise and smoothness - a world of difference, both in the cockpit and on the outside. Everyone says that it sounds like a 540 flying over - less propeller noise and more engine growl.
Initial performance numbers
72X85 Sensie 66X76 Catto
ALT 2500 power TAS ALT 2500 power TAS
2300/21 159 2300/20 158
2450/22 163 2450/22 162
2550/24 171 2550/23 170
2700/26 185 2700/26 186
Rate of climb
1600# gross weight 1650 gross weight
2500-5500 MSL 1100FPM 2500-5500 1600FPM
Summary
The speed numbers are almost identical - but the takeoff,climb performance, and comfort level are superior - not to mention almost 20# less weight!
If you cannot afford or don't want the weight of a constant speed propeller, the Catto Prop is very much worth your consideration!