Kitfox Lite Squared Weight Conundrum

[famo]

Hi all,

I'm pretty much through the purchase process of a 2006 Kitfox Lite Squared and I have a slight conundrum. I love the plane but in the weight and balance it looks to be really really heavy. The empty weight is listed at 737lb, which I can't quite wrap my head around. It has grove gear now but had the original gear when it first made that hefty weigh in. Poring through the forum posts for mention of other Kitfox IV empty weights, it appears a typical number is in the 650 range, give or take. I've also found mention of "heavy" IV's topping out around 705lb. I've gone through hundreds of receipts from the build and can't see any mention of anything that would add 50lb to a typical weigh-in. Other things added that might affect it are wheel pants, widebody mod, bubble doors, 13gal wing tanks, finished baggage area. Would these things add up to a 737lb empty weight? That feels more like Series V territory.

I'm having it weighed this week. I need to ensure it wasn't an error with the original W&B measurements.

Thanks

[avidflyer]

I flew in a Kitfox 4 light squared with a 503 in Pennsecola Fl. that the owner said weighed 525 lbs. I know it performed very well with just the 52 HP. Grove gear probably adds 15-20 lbs over stock gear, but you sound like the plane is very heavy for a Kitfox 4. Look further after it's weighed, and then you know for sure. JImChuk

[Av8r3400]

737 is not totally out of line for a nose-dragger with wheel pants and a finished interior.

I saw a pretty IV nose-dragger at OSH last week with a very fancy interior and all the goodies with an empty weight of 850! Now that is HEAVY!!

[Esser]

What engine is in it?

The first scales I weighed my plane with read 120lbs high. I nearly had a heart attack. I would say reweigh first.

[famo]

Heya Josh,

It's a 912ULS. I just purchased it, hopefully picking it up from Minnesota next week (still working out insurance). Interesting that your scales read high, I'm hoping it's something similar but haven't had the chance to weight it yet. What is your current scale setup like?

P.S. I'm the guy who commented on your diet FB post mentioning the strobe controller. I was digging through all of the build receipts (the builder kept everything) and found a schematic containing a large box labeled "strobe power supply", did some Googling and found early 00's models can be heavy haha. It's in my target sights ;)

Cheers,
Damien

[avidflyer]

Where in Mn was this plane? I'm in the northern part of the state near Chisholm. Don't worry, not looking for another one.... I have to many already. JImChuk

[famo]

Minnetrista, MN. I was out there last week inspecting. Sale has gone through, now just have to pick her up. Super excited!

22850

[avidflyer]

Looks nice, that's about 200 miles south of me. JImChuk

[DesertFox4]

I flew a lite squared tri-gear model 4 with 912 uls and it came out to 725lbs. Flew great. Lots of avionics and nice interior. Also flew SkyStars factory Lite Squared. It flew OK but was kind of draggy the way it was configured even with the 100 hp Rotax up front.
Remember that is the same wing and engine that lots of guys are flying 800 plus pound model 5,6. & 7’s and having tons of fun. You may find ways to lighten it after purchase. Just weigh it after and calculate the weight and balance. Oh, and congrats on your purchase.😀

[famo]

Thanks DF! I like the Lite Squared because it's different. The model 4 characteristics (and price) with the series 5/6 gear flexibility was attractive to me. I don't think I'll get too aggressive about lightening it, moreso just looking forward to flying. I have about 80 hours in a 7 SS and now have my own KF, so couldn't be happier :)

[Skipatrol]

I have a 2009 (Finished in 2012) Kitfox Lite Squared with 912uls 100hp, tri gear with grove gear. Nice performance. I bought the airplane from builder in Arizona, probably the same airplane mentioned by Desert Fox. Per prior owner weight is 734 lbs and ARM/CG measurements below.

Item
Arm


Airplane
12.45


Pilot
18.3


Passenger
18.3


Baggage
40


Fuel Gals x 6lbs
16.5


Totals




CG














Max Forwarward CG=10.2


Max Aft CG=16



Max Gross Weight 1,320 lbs