Frogman208
Active Member
Hey Guys,
Wanted to get an 'initial' PIREP out for the 'new' Whirlwind 330 series C/S propeller that I've been testing. For background, I've had a Hartzell BA 7495S 2-blade (pre-7497 and post 7666 blade) and MT MTV-12b 3-blade propellers all within the last year and testing in San Diego. My first Condition Inspection will be in May and I'll have over 200hrs on the RV-7, so I do fly a lot. My constant issue has been finding the perfect propeller/engine combination that would allow me to use the full capability of the 200hp, angle valve IO-360 A1A non-counterweight crack without RPM restrictions. The non-counterweight cranks are notorious for harmonic vibrations that eventually become evident with grease leaking thru propeller hubs even if your adhering to RPM restrictions. I only mention Hartzell and MT (both good propellers) because I've had both on my RV prior to the 330 series. I'm still collecting data via Savvy Analysis (I download every flight currently around 550 flights) and comparing flight runs in the vertical and top speeds. Initial impressions of the Whirlwind 330 series is exactly what I've been looking for. I've increased climb (even above 3-bladed MT) and 'surprising' to me, I've regained the 5-7knot top end speed I lost going from a 2-blade to a 3-blade. My top end is making Vans marketed top speeds with a 3-blade propeller I've ran multiple GPS runs and its consistent so I'm really impressed and confused since 3 blade is suppose to be slower. I've done full-power climbs from Borrego, CA (sea-level) up to 9,500 MSL on auto-pilot with an average climb of 2000+ fpm till level off. The 330 series is stunningly smooth across the power range. My new favorite is full throttle and 2100 RPM cruise (over-square) at mid-range altitude I can pull 165kt TAS sipping gas and cant even hear the engine. I'm running LOP, ROP and max allowable over-square operations and truly amazed. I've had the 330 series dyno balanced at 2400 RPM but its extremely smooth across all RPM's.
For those with non-counterweight cranks (Lycoming's, Titans, etc), please give Hunter a call at Whirlwind before you decide on a propeller. What makes the 330 series able to withstand the non-counterweight harmonics is the beefed up Hub design. If you want to compare capability and price, you need to compare the Whirlwind 330 series with the Hartzell composite propeller and MT MTV-9 against the Whirlwind 330 series.
Finally, I wanted to mention the 330 series can be configured for either 2-blade or 3-blade configuration. In simple terms, the 330 series is basically a beefed up 300 series Hub and 72HRT blades (best of both worlds). I'll post more data results as I fly since San Diego weather is pretty stable year round, air temps allow for comparative testing year round.
**For those with keen eyes, I'm not making 80% at 10K DA, I'm still adjusting the Dynon power setting for my engine. I'm actually making approx. 75-76% at 10K. Kevin or Dan will definitely catch that. Also, the spinner has not been painted yet so it is just primer paint.
Wanted to get an 'initial' PIREP out for the 'new' Whirlwind 330 series C/S propeller that I've been testing. For background, I've had a Hartzell BA 7495S 2-blade (pre-7497 and post 7666 blade) and MT MTV-12b 3-blade propellers all within the last year and testing in San Diego. My first Condition Inspection will be in May and I'll have over 200hrs on the RV-7, so I do fly a lot. My constant issue has been finding the perfect propeller/engine combination that would allow me to use the full capability of the 200hp, angle valve IO-360 A1A non-counterweight crack without RPM restrictions. The non-counterweight cranks are notorious for harmonic vibrations that eventually become evident with grease leaking thru propeller hubs even if your adhering to RPM restrictions. I only mention Hartzell and MT (both good propellers) because I've had both on my RV prior to the 330 series. I'm still collecting data via Savvy Analysis (I download every flight currently around 550 flights) and comparing flight runs in the vertical and top speeds. Initial impressions of the Whirlwind 330 series is exactly what I've been looking for. I've increased climb (even above 3-bladed MT) and 'surprising' to me, I've regained the 5-7knot top end speed I lost going from a 2-blade to a 3-blade. My top end is making Vans marketed top speeds with a 3-blade propeller I've ran multiple GPS runs and its consistent so I'm really impressed and confused since 3 blade is suppose to be slower. I've done full-power climbs from Borrego, CA (sea-level) up to 9,500 MSL on auto-pilot with an average climb of 2000+ fpm till level off. The 330 series is stunningly smooth across the power range. My new favorite is full throttle and 2100 RPM cruise (over-square) at mid-range altitude I can pull 165kt TAS sipping gas and cant even hear the engine. I'm running LOP, ROP and max allowable over-square operations and truly amazed. I've had the 330 series dyno balanced at 2400 RPM but its extremely smooth across all RPM's.
For those with non-counterweight cranks (Lycoming's, Titans, etc), please give Hunter a call at Whirlwind before you decide on a propeller. What makes the 330 series able to withstand the non-counterweight harmonics is the beefed up Hub design. If you want to compare capability and price, you need to compare the Whirlwind 330 series with the Hartzell composite propeller and MT MTV-9 against the Whirlwind 330 series.
Finally, I wanted to mention the 330 series can be configured for either 2-blade or 3-blade configuration. In simple terms, the 330 series is basically a beefed up 300 series Hub and 72HRT blades (best of both worlds). I'll post more data results as I fly since San Diego weather is pretty stable year round, air temps allow for comparative testing year round.
**For those with keen eyes, I'm not making 80% at 10K DA, I'm still adjusting the Dynon power setting for my engine. I'm actually making approx. 75-76% at 10K. Kevin or Dan will definitely catch that. Also, the spinner has not been painted yet so it is just primer paint.
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