A Viking engine in a Kitfox maybe sooner then you think!

[chefwarthog]

Last year we discuss about an alternative to the reliable Rotax 912, In the thread we question the reliability of the new HF 110, it was interesting to see the positive and negative arguments on this new engine.

Now that Jan Eggenfellner as put more then 500 hours of fight on is test engine, we can recognize the serious of is journey. I know now that John McBean and Jan as discuss about offering a front firewall package for the Viking engine... I am waiting to see that!

You ask your self where did he take this information, watch this video......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GsIo1Rn56I

Eric.

[Agfoxflyer]

The RV-12 in the video is owned by a friend of mine. Ron is very happy so for with the engine installation. He has about 75 hours on it and flew it from N. Georgia to Sebring last month. Last week end he had a fellow EAA Chapter member who owns a Rv-12 with a 912ULS fly with him, then he flew in the other plane with the same pilot. The pilot with the 912uls thought the Viking perform a little better in the same type of plane. Also remember the Viking is a little heavier than the 912uls. Other than that the planes are very similar. This wasn't a scientific test, just casual oberservations. Ron is still tinkering with prop pitch and a few other things. From what I've observed
I think the Viking would do well in a Kitfox.

[DBVZ]

Honda based engine. $13000

[rogerh12]

Here is a Honda Viking .
This is from Oshkosh 2011.


http://barnstormers.com/tmp_images/65/b6/.watermarked_500b44cca3ec0a3925f060e0d6bb6d24.jpg

[Esser]

I'm guessing you can't pair an AFI prop to this engine though?

[chefwarthog]

For my part, I really like the way it look..... neat and clean compared to the Rotax that full of pipes, wire, and tubes.....

[Wheels]

Do you think Rotax might go fuel injected to stay ahead in the Market?

[rogerh12]

I am sure they have considered fuel injection.
Carburetors don’t need electricity to run, or high pressure fuel pumps (1/2 psi of head pressure is enough), so that may be a factor. Also, the Bings are altitude compensating, so they are pretty hard to beat. The Ellison injector carb might be a good alternative to fuel injection, it adds mixture control and only needs 2 psi to run.

Roger

[Esser]

If Rotax went fuel injected I would be all over that. Don't forget the power gain in an injected system. I heard a rumour that they were going to announce a FI Rotax in April...but I haven't heard anything else so it's probably not true.

[chefwarthog]

A Rotax 912 ULS is 22 000.00$ and use old tech..... +the Engine Component Package

A Rotax 912 ULS F.I. won't be cheaper 25 000.00 maybe, new tech new price!

The Viking come complete ready to bolt to the frame for 13 000$, if you purchase in a show like Sebring you will got it at 1 000$ discount and use new technology.... for the diffrence I could afford a Skyview system with auto pilot!!!:rolleyes:

Hard descision to make!

[jdmcbean]

The Retail price for the Rotax engine is not as quoted...

Currently the Rotax 912ULS is $18219.00

[chefwarthog]

18 219$ +HD electric starter, slipper clutch, alternator and air filter...:o

John have you try the Viking engine yet?

[jdmcbean]

Not plus.. the $18219 inlcudes the HD Starter, slipper clutch and alternator. Airfilter depends on if you are using an airbox or not.


John, have you try the Viking engine yet?


No we have not.. still waiting to receive the engine. Supposed to be shipping on the 5th. Even then it will be awhile.. we do most of our development in the fall/winter.

[chefwarthog]

Thank's for taking the time to reply John, so we won't hear for this kit before next spring I assume?

[rogerh12]

No we have not.. still waiting to receive the engine. Supposed to be shipping on the 5th. Even then it will be awhile.. we do most of our development in the fall/winter.

John, people just send you engines?
You are one fortunate fellow !!!!

Enjoy

Roger

[szicree]

You get what you pay for.

For those that are considering the Viking, go here: http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=82415&highlight=viking and scroll to post #17. This is FIRST HAND info not passed through a marketing machine. This type of customer service seems to be a very long-standing pattern with this company.

[DBVZ]

There are always 2 sides to these stories. First is always a difficult situation to be in.

[Av8r3400]

Talk to people with Eggenfelter Subarus.

All I'm going to say.

[jdmcbean]

John, people just send you engines?
You are one fortunate fellow !!!!




Yes they send us engines.. after we pay for them..

[rogerh12]

Looking through my pics, found this angle too on the Viking.
I like the generator and oil filter out in the open


http://barnstormers.com/tmp_images/5a/1c/.watermarked_78f115265795093d0f00f1492047e48d.jpg

[chefwarthog]

For my Part yes you got for what you pay, but I can not understand why should I pay the price of a all car for a motor..... it don't come with electric windows, power stering and a radio? you could buy a brand new car engine with it's drivetrain for 2000.$ if the Viking works maybe Rotax will lower is price.

Jan Egg. may be have tune down some consumer but, I look out on the net for unsatisfied customer and I did not found many (for Viking engine), and if you but a Rotax 912 and you want to get your money back not sur that the salesman will have a wide smile!

Anyway my trust is in John Mcbean, he will try it and if he tell us that this engine is delivering what we expect and the center of gracity is ok for the Kitfox..... if and only if John give his two thumbs up and it come in a front firewall kit, then I be reassure to buy this new engine.....

Eric

Yes Roger, this is truh every thing is well place; oil, coolant, electricity.... simply nice looking engine!!!

[rogerh12]

I think this video on youtube is of this pictured aircraft flying.
See it take off and do some power fly-bys.
Sounds cool anyway !!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc5R0Kz6xGk&feature=related

[chefwarthog]

I have sneak in the Just Aircraft Forum, they seem enthousiasme over installing Viking engine in there Escapade or Highlander, some had have some delay in the delivery of there engine.... it seem that Viking have some probleme with there supplier.... I hope that everythink will saddle down.....