Deadeye

I posted this question in the Warbirds forum a few days ago, and got no replies. Maybe my luck will improve here *COUGH* Bill Robison *COUGH*. Anywho, I'll be working on the Bridi Tigercat this winter, and was wondering what guys have ran for engines in this bird. I've looked at the Mgnum 52, but am afraid that won't be enough for my altitude of 3500 feet. The Magnum 70 looks good, but it weighs 5 oz more than the 52, for a total of 10 or more ounces for both engines. I've also looked at Saitos, but they give no weight specs on these engines on the Horizon site. Their are definetly more options with Saito, the 56, 65, and 72. Prop clearance will not be an issue, as this plane could clear an 18 inch prop no problem according to the plans.

So what is your opinion everybody? How about some retract advice as well. Thanks friends!

William Robison

My Feedback: (3)

Randy:

If yours is the smaller of the two Bridi Tigercats the FA-72 should do fine. At the same time, the FA-82 is a little lighter than the 72 ande more powerful. I've attached a specs table so you can compare the engines.

Of the Saito singles, my choice is the FA-82. I'm still waiting for the radial engines for mine.

Bill.

Deadeye

Bill, Thanks. It does look like the 82 will be the best bang for the weight. Have you seen the new Saito 125? Lighter than the 120, and more powerful. Saito must be encapsulating helium in their aluminum.

William Robison

My Feedback: (3)

Randy:

It is a well-kept secret that Saito is alloying aluminum with unobtanium.

Since unobtanium has a negative mass, the weight of the alloyed parts can be as light as Saito wants them to be. For ease in handling they found that weight less than an ounce or two made working with the parts too difficult - they tended to blow away in a light breeze. Additionally, since unobtanium will not alloy with ferrous metals, they could not lighten the iron and steel parts, effectively limiting the maximum weight reduction available to the engineers.

I hope this information is of interest to you.

Bill.

PS: (Tongue firmly in cheek) Haw. wr.

Ed_Moorman

My Feedback: (1)

"Lighten" up, Bill

jrf

My Feedback: (551)

I guess that's what they mean when they say "Add lightness to your airplane."

It is also clear that Saito has cornered the market on unobtainium because I'm sure that OS, Enya and ASP/Magnum would use it if they could... ah... obtain it.

Jim

Muxje

Can't beat Saito for weight; I've just selected the Saito 30S as the rear engine in my Do335. Weight reduction in the tail of this model is critical. For retracts, you could check www.centuryjets.com; they do retracts for a whole range of kits. There might be one for your airplane.