Rotax 916 IS in a Bearhawk?

[Berniepiet]

At 160HP, 180 Lbs, and C/S prop option combined with long lead times on Lycoming-type engines, and MOSAIC allowing for C/S propeller, it could be an attractive alternative for an LSA or Patrol

Is anyone contemplating this option?

[Bcone1381]

Re: The Patrol….Do some math. I mean calculate the CG with a 160 pound motor. An O-360 is about 280 pounds without accessories and exhaust. I forecast 100 pounds off the nose would create problems with an aft cg.

[Mark Goldberg]

I think this new engine would be usable on a Patrol or Companion. Like Brooks says - the CG issue would have to be dealt with. But that seems possible.

Bernie - lead times at Lycoming are not that long except for the Thunderbolt program. This new Rotax is a little pricey but would seem to fill the need for an engine that can run on car gas for places where 100LL is very expensive or unavailable. Mark

[Tailwheelflyer]

The 916IS would work great in either the patrol or companion, while it wouldn't be a rocket at sea level compared to a lycoming 360, It would make for horsepower at anything over 4500 ft and maintain that to 15,000 ft. I suspect the Patrol would get some shockingly high true airspeed numbers at altitude with the 916up front. I think the CG issue is smaller than it looks on paper. The engine will have to sit forward a decent amount but nothing crazy, by the time you have all the computers and fuse box up front, battery, header tank, hydraulic three blade and a few others I think it will be pretty easy to get the CG in check.

[paulodonnell]

Think your Patrol would have need very long nose with that little Rotax.. am looking at some other options myself but was leaning initially towards UL Power's 520is or even their 520T.

Early days yet though as my Patrol SP kit is still in Marks depot in TX about to leave for Ireland! I'll probably chicken out in the end and pop in a io-360. Avgas here is over €3.00 per litre or $13.00 for one of your US gallons

Ohhhh... the anticipation is killing me!