915is Updates in the Kitfox?

[aviator79]

The latest I heard was that a hydraulic Constant Speed Prop was required. I wonder if they'll extend the TBO after it acquires some service history. As it is, if you make an apples-to-apples comparison by assuming ~$10/hour in overhaul costs for the 800 hours you're losing, The cost compared to the rest of the rotax line is a staggering $46,667. I was hoping there would be a way to justify this engine on my plane, but it's looking bleak.

[WWhunter]

Since I am in the market for a new flivver I am also weighing the different options. Edge Performance seems to be a better option if one wants power with light weight. It is an expensive engine also,and warranty might be something a buyer would have to consider.

Although a lot heavier, the Titan has more power, and $10K +/- less. Unfortunately it needs Avgas if that is an issue. You can get a car gas compatible motor with less HP though.

[Esser]

ULPower? Still surprised No One Has popped one in. I was going to until I got a deal on my engine. It’s lighter, costs the same as the titan I believe, and runs on auto fuel. The 130hp model would be waaay cheaper than the 915 and the titan. Looks like zenith is having good success with them

[colospace]

When I last visited the factory some years back, there was a customer plane in the shop getting at least a partial FWF developed for its UL Power engine.

[WWhunter]

Agreed..the UL is another option. For some reason there just doesn't seem to be many out there. I looked at them also and they are a very nicely built engine. Cost per Hp is very similar when compared equally. I know there were a few RANS aircraft with them installed but I never saw or heard much more about those either.

[avidflyer]

Same issue as the Jabiru in a way I think. Direct drive/high revs, small prop. Not the best combination for a STOL type aircraft. JImChuk

[jdmcbean]

Rotax just had a price increase...
912UL $16,503
912ULS $19,701
912iS $23,284
914UL $31,539
915iS $38,667

Have talked with Edge Performance about there engine.. and we can supply them a new engine that they can modify.. to the EP912STi engine currently listed at 28000 Euro ($33375 US) I do not know if that reflects the current Rotax pricing.

As for the 915iS.. We are (have been) working on a firewall forward package. It is a little more complicated and has larger oil cooling requirements and absolutely requires an inter-cooler. Exhaust and Turbo are larger as well.
If all goes well we hope to be flying it soon.

[tracstarr]

Thanks for the update!

[Clark in AZ]

Rotax just had a price increase...
912UL $16,503
912ULS $19,701
912iS $23,284
914UL $31,539
915iS $38,667

Have talked with Edge Performance about there engine.. and we can supply them a new engine that they can modify.. to the EP912STi engine currently listed at 28000 Euro ($33375 US) I do not know if that reflects the current Rotax pricing.

As for the 915iS.. We are (have been) working on a firewall forward package. It is a little more complicated and has larger oil cooling requirements and absolutely requires an inter-cooler. Exhaust and Turbo are larger as well.
If all goes well we hope to be flying it soon.

Hey John,

Does the 915 use the same cowl as the 914 or will it require a "special" cowl?

Thanks,
Clark

[jdmcbean]

The 915 will be a complete firewall forward..
Same basic cowlings with mods... but most likely different oil cooler, radiator and requires an inter-cooler...
While you would think the wiring would be the same as the 912iS.. Rotax decided made changes to that as well...