Lycoming O-320 160 HP - anyone have one of these on your Kitfox?

[KenZ]

I have a 160 HP on my Kitfox V Safari and looking for other operators with similar installation.
I have questions about best prop for it. Courrently using a 76" 42 pitch and its not enough pitch I think. Can easily overspeed in level flight. Catto Prop recommends 76/48.
Any suggestions?
Currently nose heavy so do not want to go ground adjustable. Sencenich is 21 Lbs
KEn

[KenZ]

Oh Well, went with a Whirlwind prop Ground adjustable at 18LBS
New Catto prop is 12 LBS

[Shadowrider]

Roman makes awesome props. 1200$ for carbon fiber ground adjustable prop and carbon spinner. Haven't weighed them but I would guess they are as light or lighter than a Catto. Great pull and fast on the top end.

[KenZ]

Couldn't find web site for Roman propeller

[avidflyer]

He is referring to NR props. NRProp. Aircraft Composite Propellers (https://nrprop.com/)

[KenZ]

They only go to 150 HP

[Shadowrider]

They go to 300HP plus. Steve Henry has one on his highlander. We also have a local friend who has one on his 300hp Epex. I

[KenZ]

I must be missing something on their website, I will look again, thanks for the info.

[avidflyer]

I think the website is just not up to date. I would suggest you email them with your question. I've bought two props from them. JImChuk

[KenZ]

That's what I thought so I sent them an email and request for quote.
Hope they weren't a Russian bomb target!

[Shadowrider]

I just bought 2 props from Roman. He was well but had no power, but still working.

[SNOW JW]

I got my prop from Roman about a month ago it looks amazing.

[KenZ]

I have been communicating with Roman last several days.

3 blade prop with spinner.

Trying to get proper size spinner. Weight of the prop and hub is about 13.5 lbs compared to Whirlwind is 18lbs, Sensenich is 21lbs, my Catto weighs 12lbs.

With the heavy engine, 260lbs, need less weight up front.

Chatted with Steve Henry and he said good things about them also.

Price is $1628.00 US shipped compared to almost $5000 for Whirlwind or Sensenich.

Looks like I will be selling My Catto 76" 42" pitch soon!

[jmodguy]

KenZ
I’m running an IO-340 with a 80” Whirlwind GA-200L STOL. It was about $3200 3 yrs or so back. I have no complaints. At 14 degrees (low pitch) I have seen 3000’/min. Currently running 17 deg pitch and I cruise about 105 at @4g/hr at 2100 rpm

[efwd]

3,000Ft/min! Holy Crap. At the airspeeds we fly, isn't that about vertical? Damn

[KenZ]

I get up to 2000 feet a min by myself with full fuel. probably get more on a lighter fuel load.
But 3000 ft/min, I am skeptical.
Catto fixed pitch prop climb pitch. 2650 RPM climb out.

[KenZ]

I just got my prop from NRProp today and it looks great. anybody have torque on the hub halves? or bolts PN for attaching to the engine?
Ken

[PWOK]

As noted in another thread Kenz was a victim of a terrible accident. On Dec. 8, 2023 on departure from Runway 20 at Eloy, AZ as Kitfox plunged into an open field. An observer noticed a small object leaving the aircraft before the sudden descent. Preliminary examination has revealed that a blade separated from the adjustable propeller, causing extreme vibration, engine separation with complete loss of control. The aircraft subsequently crashed, and was consumed by fire.
The propeller installed was a ground adjustable NR unit from Ukraine installed on a 160hp Lycoming engine. The engine was probably at a high power setting in the climb out phase of flight. Due to this being an experimental aircraft further investigation might be limited. If I find any additional information on this accident We will pass it along.
We are mourning the loss of Ken at this time, and want to avert this happening again. Increased inspection of non certified hubs, bolts and blades are in order. Remove those spinners on adjustable propellers and take a closer look.

[Shadowrider]

As noted in another thread Kenz was a victim of a terrible accident. On Dec. 8, 2023 on departure from Runway 20 at Eloy, AZ as Kitfox plunged into an open field. An observer noticed a small object leaving the aircraft before the sudden descent. Preliminary examination has revealed that a blade separated from the adjustable propeller, causing extreme vibration, engine separation with complete loss of control. The aircraft subsequently crashed, and was consumed by fire.
The propeller installed was a ground adjustable NR unit from Ukraine installed on a 160hp Lycoming engine. The engine was probably at a high power setting in the climb out phase of flight. Due to this being an experimental aircraft further investigation might be limited. If I find any additional information on this accident We will pass it along.
We are mourning the loss of Ken at this time, and want to avert this happening again. Increased inspection of non certified hubs, bolts and blades are in order. Remove those spinners on adjustable propellers and take a closer look.

Thanks for this info. If you can find you hours on the prop that may be helpful.

[PWOK]

Very little time on this propeller as configured. You can read back in this thread and get some idea of the timeline.

[Shadowrider]

Okay thanks for the info and so sorry for this accident.