new member looking for information on 7 series

[awi55]

I have just joined and trying to learn more about the Kitfox. I live in Knoxville TN. I am interesred in the 7 series. not sure which engine yet. really like the looks of the radial. I was really serious about a Searey and went to Sun and Fun and got to fly the demo plane. It was nice but to close on gross wt for me. Open to suggestions.

[DesertFox4]

Welcome aboard awi55. The model 7 looks great with the radial engine.
You'll love the take off performance but will give up some top end speed and the radial has a "fiddle factor" that just comes along with owning a radial. Not a huge problem but still there and should be considered when defining your Kitfox's mission.

The 7 Super Sport can handle the largest selection of engine choices available in the kit plane market. This can keep your costs down if unable to spring for the most popular choice which is the 912S 100 hp. Rotax.
I've flown it with a couple different engines up front and it never fails to impress with its performance. It's a fantastic flying aircraft. You need to fly one soon. You'll be sold soon after strapping one on.
If you have specific questions about the 7 series just post them. Lots of 7 owners on the forums that would be happy to get into the fine details for you. Have fun.

[awi55]

Thank you, I am more interested in performance and range. The 914 should be the faster and less fuel burn. I would like to hear about the different performance from actual flying kitfox drivers who fly the radial, 912 100 hp and 914 turbo. Look forward to replays.

[DesertFox4]

Lots of experience in 7 Super Sports with 912S 100 hp. Rotax.
Most with the Rotax 100 hp. usually cruise easily in the 115-125 mph range with 5.7 gals. per hour fuel burn on average.
Take off on hot day in Phoenix (105 degrees or more) 1,000 feet plus per minute climb rate.

The radial engine while heavier does real good on take off. Climbs seemed as good as the Rotax 100 hp. but cruise suffered some from the large flat plate area the radial presents. Maybe 108 to 110 mph cruise can be expected.

The Lycoming o-233 performs very well while again heavier than the 912 S it seems to climb very good but shows just a bit slower cruise speeds but not by much. Getting the right prop is very important.

I only flew one 3300 Jabiru 120 hp. equipped Kitfox model 5 and I was not impressed with it's performance. It was no match in climb or cruise for the 100 hp. Rotax. It sounded really nice though, what ever that's worth. It had some overheating issues that had to be addressed too.

I have no Viking or UL Power experience yet.

[awi55]

It seems that most use then 912 (100 hp) and not the 914. Is this just cost for the turbo for not much gain. Sounds like 105 in Phonix with good numbers it would be hard to justify. Do you have the performance numbers comparing the two. Thanks

[GaryNo]

If you would like to see a SS7 that is at the covering stage,I live about 75 miles East of Knoxville.I'm using the Rotax 100 HP.Send me an e-mail if you would like to hook up.