After the engine overhaul I finally broke down and
bought a good prop. Since I couldn't have a constant speed, and
didn't want and restrictions by using a Senenich, I opted for a 3 bladed
Catto...
I told Craig I thought the engine was putting out
about 170 HP and he decided that at 66x70 prop would do the trick, but
after discussing it further we decided that maybe a 66x72 would be
better, and if I couldn't quite get the RPMs I wanted I would just put
an electronic ignition on. Craig says I should see a 5% increase
by installing one.....and so far what he has told me has turned out to
be true!
So anyway, the prop is beautiful looks awesome on the
-8A... I made three flights with it yesterday and have some
preliminary performance numbers, but need to do some more controlled
testing to get accurate performance information... BUT...
Early indication point towards about a 30-40% increase in climb and AT
LEAST 10MPH increase in top end! ..and oh my god is it smooth!
If you ever go three blades you will never go back to two!
Can't figure out which way to have it on the ground!
LOL
Preliminary performance Info...
After the overhaul I couldn't put my Sterba 68x72 back
on, so I borrowed a Sterba 70x78... The prop was ok in that I saw
good RPMs on the ground and in the air, but it was kinda rough and
didn't give me the speeds I should be getting...
The Catto info below is probably not real accurate...
it was bumpy, and I didn't recored all the numbers, but I am going to be
doing more test flights soon... It may not be for a couple weeks
though due to work... Keep checking back!
Flight Data:
