Roto 130 FSI 4 stroke inline 3 cyl; Anyone got any experience?
#51

I have the 130 for some years now, powering a 20 kilo 3 meter DHC Chipmunk.
Engine and plane fit really perfect. Enough power for that one, as the original is only a 150 hp trainer. I repeat, a perfect match, and everybody loves the sound
Prop is a Fiala wood 27x14, turning 4800 - 4900. I cannot say what it does in flight, I only track cyl temperatures which all stay at around 125° ( very careful engine baffling)
I personally LOVE the fact that it uses 3 independant ignitions instead of one central electronic unit. In any case- a very high redundancy. No issues ever with the engine.
One thing I did not like was the very low attatchment plate at the rear. The engines have a tendency for shaking their spinner up and down at medium range rpms. Can see this in any YT video.
This can break intake tubes, headers, cause harm to the carbs etc.
I did add 2 extra stainless steel tubes left and right ( see pics) after the first test runs - problem sorted out. Never flew without.
Last edited by Detlef Kunkel; 09-15-2023 at 10:42 PM.