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  1. MEDEVAC

    V12 Alternatives

    I love the variety and depth of experience in these forums. Fascinating reading, all of it. Thanks - please don’t stop! I love those discussions. Yep, no illusions that the -10 won’t be thirsty but I just think for the reliability and ease of spares/support/maintenance, it’s the way to go...
  2. MEDEVAC

    V12 Alternatives

    There is a guy in Norway I think doing that for a Stewart build. coincidentally, I have just been offered a Thunder engine, gearbox and prop for $90k. The lack of spares, reliability and support really makes makes me hesitant. Not sure which way to jump.
  3. MEDEVAC

    V12 Alternatives

    Is that pounds per hour? That’s not bad at all.
  4. MEDEVAC

    V12 Alternatives

    Hi mate, I’m in NW QLD at the moment. Funny you ask, although I missed the reply by a few months, but I’m gearing up to start assembly and get this project off the ground. I can’t decide if I want to pay someone to build it or if I want to ship it here and do it myself. Are you in Aus?
  5. MEDEVAC

    another Autoflight gearbox failure - this time after 34 hrs

    The link is in the post.
  6. MEDEVAC

    Raptor Composite Aircraft

    “ Don’t know if anyone has an all-flying canard”.... Sorry! 🤣
  7. MEDEVAC

    V12 Alternatives

    A quick look on Barnstormers and I can see a couple of 331-10s with gearboxes included for $80k. I am sure more will becomes available as the airlines and planes stop flying. I noted that a Turbine Legend has a 331-10 and they get 40GPH. Here is a question - in the US, do you refer to Imperial...
  8. MEDEVAC

    V12 Alternatives

    interesting - his website suggested it was on hold indefinitely.
  9. MEDEVAC

    V12 Alternatives

    That’s an excellent and succinct summary! For anyone that wants a detailed breakdown, look at the pages I linked for EPI. He explains it in great detail. The Thunders appear to have had a lot of engine and gearbox issues over the years. I’d like to avoid the same fate.
  10. MEDEVAC

    V12 Alternatives

    I spoke with them. Great guys am here in Aus but it’s a 90* so has the same harmonics issues as a Falconer. The EPI site goes into some detail. Hard to know how much is due to professional rivalry though - he is scathing of the Falconer design. Rik - those engines look awesome! How much do they...
  11. MEDEVAC

    V12 Alternatives

    Hi Rik, you’ve certainly got my attention! :p an engine developer (EPI Inc, www.epi-eng.com) was developing a race engine for the aircraft with approx 1850hp. “The first is a naturally aspirated version that will produce 810 bhp at 4800 RPM (but not with the short stacks shown in the...
  12. MEDEVAC

    V12 Alternatives

    420 litres capacity = 720 lbs of fuel. it consumes .534 lb/hp*hr approx (-10 fuel figure) Cruise at 600hp = 320lbs/hr So 2 hrs of endurance at 600hp. A lot longer at reduced power, much less on a sprint!
  13. MEDEVAC

    V12 Alternatives

    I just got off the phone with Pacific Turbine in Brisbane, QLD. They have a 1000 hp Honeywell TPE-331-11U for $110k USD with 3000 cycles before overhaul. I think when the time comes, I’ll go this route. The power and reliability are undeniable. There are a few technical challenges such as how...
  14. MEDEVAC

    V12 Alternatives

    That’s 200hp less than it was designed for and not cheap from what I read!
  15. MEDEVAC

    V12 Alternatives

    Thanks guys - good info. I actually tried to contact Elliot about a year ago but couldn't get through to him. I was looking at a 90% built kit with a Falconer. It sold and I moved on but now I have an unbuilt crated kit and can start from scratch. I have sourced a Honeywell TPE 331 that might...
  16. MEDEVAC

    V12 Alternatives

    Hi folks, Does anyone have any insights into the turbo-prop world? I’m looking at a power plant for my build and thinking ahead. The aircraft was originally designed with a Falconer V12 in mind but they are no longer available and have serious limitations. Why buy an obsolete engine with no...
  17. MEDEVAC

    Importing a kit to USA (Thunder Mustang)

    Hi all, I’ve recently acquired a Thunder Mustang kit and am about to ship it to the US for assembly. It was purchased and shipped to South Africa where is has lain for the last 2 years. Does anyone have any experience of shipping a kit to the USA who might offer some insight as to the...
  18. MEDEVAC

    another Autoflight gearbox failure - this time after 34 hrs

    Hi - I’ve read a couple of different stories. The main issues seem to stem from the engine. From what I have read on EPI-eng.com, another engine builder assessed the Falconer as inherently flawed. You can see a technical breakdown of the issues relating to harmonics. This would apply to the...
  19. MEDEVAC

    another Autoflight gearbox failure - this time after 34 hrs

    Nope. That’s why I will put a TPE 331-10 in it, or something similar. The Falconers also have a poor reputation with a lot of failures. I’ve done a bit of reading and the 90* bank angle with the odd-fire arrangement creates some horrific harmonics that lead to premature gearbox wear and failure...
  20. MEDEVAC

    another Autoflight gearbox failure - this time after 34 hrs

    I am appalled to read of these troubles you have had. I have looked at a Titan kit for a number of years but these stories have really put me off. I have recently bought a Thunder Mustang kit that I found and have been following the Titan threads for info on propellers and engines. The saga of...
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