Rotax 916iS ... Not that is not a typo

[rv9ralph]

Today Kitfox Aircraft announced that Rotax has just released their 916iS ... 160HP, 2000 hr TBO.

Sounds like we have another option. The planform is similar to the 915iS. Same displacement (bore and stroke), same rpm ... so where did they find the additional 20 horses.

Here are some bullets from the Rotax marketing material.

Four-stroke piston engine with four liquid and air-cooled cylinders

Redundant electronic fuel injection and ignition, eco mode

Turbocharger, stainless steel exhaust

Dry sump forced lubrication with separate oil tank, automatic adjustment by hydraulic valve tappets

Engine management system (EMS)

Electric starter (12 or 24 Volt)

Propeller speed reduction gearbox

Intercooler

TBO 2,000 hrs

Maximum operating altitude 23,000 feet

Critical altitude 15,000 feet (maximum continuous power)

[Shadowrider]

Sweet! Guessing more efficient turbo and running higher boost levels!

[bumsteer]

Nice. but at $49,500 a little out of my budget. Was supposed to be shown in a new Carbon Cub at Sun-n-Fun but weather got in the way.

Rick

[Shadowrider]

I wish rotax would build a bigger displacement and enter the 200-300 hp range market.

[alexM]

Does the 915 have an intercooler? If not I suspect that is where most of the modest bump in power is coming from. More ducting and scoops but intercoolers are, uh, cool.

[jiott]

Yes, the 915iS has an intercooler. As someone else said, the 916 probably has a more efficient/better intercooler and is running higher turbo boost pressures.

[avidflyer]

I wish rotax would build a bigger displacement and enter the 200-300 hp range market.

Wasn't there some announcements on April first last year about a 6 cylinder Rotax coming out? Maybe more info will come out in a couple of days about that one. https://teamkitfox.com/Forums/images/icons/icon12.pnghttps://teamkitfox.com/Forums/images/icons/icon12.png JImChuk

[alexM]

Just don't let Brandon drive the forklift.

[Av8r3400]

I wish rotax would build a bigger displacement and enter the 200-300 hp range market.

Edge Performance makes their EP917Ti, which is an improved 915 that is currently making 180+ hp for the same money and less weight compared to a 916 from Rotax, all with a full warranty.

Bad Ass Paoersports (https://badasspowersports.com/?fbclid=IwAR30hG12NPsFnJdE9UMHQVPOmHuip96a_hQzOKuP AOwYoOT3lx1KAcP_gxA)

[Billiken]

I’m definitely a new fan of the 916is. Almost $50,000 for a turbo 4 cylinder makes me wonder why Ferrari isn’t building kit plane engines. There are 2 new boxes it checks for me. The approved fuels and the 2000 hour TBO. I’m not sure how they got the 2000 hour TBO with a hot engine that spins so fast but it would give me peace of mind nonetheless. Does anyone think that the 915is will drop in price? I’ve got a few years to make a decision but I sure like the options. I’m going to need a raise at work.

[rv9ralph]

So, to my original question... How did Rotax find the extra 20HP? Here is a link to a Kit Planes video from Sun'N Fun that Rotax explains it all.

https://youtu.be/2UqDSkFT3yc

[Shadowrider]

To answer your question….more boost! Larger exhaust to handle the increased back pressure. I know he said they changed things electronically….ie turned the boost up. Surprised they didn’t go with a bigger turbo.