Variable Pitch Propeller Information
This system does not need an electric motor and slip rings in the spinner, reducing the rotating mass and complexity considerably. Also, and this is the big one: The variable valve timing and knock protection of the Viking 130 allow for an unprecedented efficiency by full throttle operation at all RPM’s from 5400 all the way down to 3200. Lastly, the price of the propeller, without the complex hub mounted parts will be less and the system will last much longer with the low 1.0 amp draw.
“I pretty much full throttle it on takeoff and back down from takeoff power at pattern altitude with the prop by setting about 7.5 gallons/hr on the flow until I am at cruise altitude.
Coarse the prop for cruise gph and keep the throttle full until decent to pattern. In the pattern I fly with prop set to takeoff fine, and use throttle to modulate power. I also exercise the prop during run up and set it a tad course of fine for normal takeoff, and full fine for performance takeoffs. ”
Best overall RPM to fly the variable pitch Viking propeller System installed on Dave Tillemas’ CruZer is 4500. This represents up to a 380 mile increased range over factory published numbers. (The Airplane can do 141 mph but these are the realistic and efficient cross country numbers)
Obviously the Viking 130 does not need a variable propeller for great performance. However, it does enhance the performance and utility of the airplane.
Many have expressed an interest in making the Zenith CruZer their all around airplane. Big tires / Variable Prop for STOL, Variable Propeller for floats and a powerful engine / Variable Propeller for cruise.
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Comparing Variable propeller to non variable propeller
Installation of VIP Blades
Viking 130 Actuator Installation
Basic VIP Install
Shown on the turbo engine, but it is the same idea throughout.
It all started when…
We had a quest to make the most efficient engine, even more efficient. The best way to make that happen was with a variable pitch propeller. The most efficient engine, a variable pitch propeller and a full FWF kit - for less than some manufactures offer just a base engine and kit. Watch the video below that shows the process and ideas behind the engine specific variable pitch propeller.