Jabiru 3300 powered Lightning Bug (VH-EMK) completed its first flight last weekend after an 8 year build by Adelaide based Milton and Ted King. The first flight was done by Ted.
It also had its second flight yesterday, flown by Milton
EMK differs from other Lightning Bugs by being the only one powered by the 120hp Jabiru 3300 and it is the only one with a fixed nose gear.
Both flights lasted around 20 minutes. With both pilots, there was no evidence of PIOs which were anticipated due to the very responsive and very light controls but being forewarned is being forearmed and both pilots did a sterling job to keep the aircraft steady.
On the first flight, Ted circled the airfield at around 2000’ and at an airspeed of 150kias. The engine was throttled back and the prop was left in the fully fine position.
On the second flight, Milton noted some parameters. Climb after take-off was at 100kias, 1500fpm and 2400rpm. The Jabiru should be turning over 3000rpm on climbout. The engine graphs show that 2400rpm offers about 93hp so well under the 120hp available. The prop is clearly still pitched too coarse to give a good take-off and climb. Take-off roll was 330 metres so around 1000’.
Milton expanded the speed envelope to 165kias on the second flight, again with plenty of power to spare and the prop still at full fine.
A high oil temperature necessitated an early landing but overall, both flights have gone very well.
Here are a couple of photos.
I cant wait to get my 200hp turbine into one of our Bugs!!
It also had its second flight yesterday, flown by Milton
EMK differs from other Lightning Bugs by being the only one powered by the 120hp Jabiru 3300 and it is the only one with a fixed nose gear.
Both flights lasted around 20 minutes. With both pilots, there was no evidence of PIOs which were anticipated due to the very responsive and very light controls but being forewarned is being forearmed and both pilots did a sterling job to keep the aircraft steady.
On the first flight, Ted circled the airfield at around 2000’ and at an airspeed of 150kias. The engine was throttled back and the prop was left in the fully fine position.
On the second flight, Milton noted some parameters. Climb after take-off was at 100kias, 1500fpm and 2400rpm. The Jabiru should be turning over 3000rpm on climbout. The engine graphs show that 2400rpm offers about 93hp so well under the 120hp available. The prop is clearly still pitched too coarse to give a good take-off and climb. Take-off roll was 330 metres so around 1000’.
Milton expanded the speed envelope to 165kias on the second flight, again with plenty of power to spare and the prop still at full fine.
A high oil temperature necessitated an early landing but overall, both flights have gone very well.
Here are a couple of photos.
I cant wait to get my 200hp turbine into one of our Bugs!!
