So what the heck is this now:
http://www.vikingaircraftengines.com/news.htmThe Viking Sport will be on display at the Sebring airshow. Our example is based on the Waiex airframe. Anyone with a Sonex or Waiex can convert the airplane to a Sport.
The Viking Sport has a large and roomy canopy with perfect visibility. Seating is such that the elbows are on top of the longerons, providing outstanding comfort.
The raised thrust line and Viking engine enable the sport to turn a 70" 2 bladed propeller.
Entrance to the Sport is easy with the tilt-up canopy and can be done from either side of the aircraft. Cruising speed is a solid 150 mph with the ability to pitch the prop for slower speeds to qualify under sport pilot regs.
The models are 6 footers and fit the airplane with some room to spare.
The sport kit consist of:
One Viking Engine
One firewall forward package (Includes cowlings, propeller and many other items)
Canopy and canopy hardware
More info on his forum:
vikingaircraft wrote:The Sport kit has nothing to do with the Sonex company. We are only selling the parts to individuals that have their own aircraft. Being an Experimental aircraft, and in the light of the freedom to experiment, the Sport kit was developed. It is our opinion that the kit will make a good airplane better.
vikingaircraft wrote:Yes, the thrust line of the Sport is much higher. This enables the the use of a 69-70" 2 bladed propeller. This combination is perfect for the geared engine and speed of the airplane. Also, the new thrust line will keep the nose down when adding power.
vikingaircraft wrote:The sport is 4" wider
It has a 70" propeller, up from 56"
The thrust line has been raised
The Canopy is easy to see through and the bow is gone
Entrance to the airplane is now from either side
Climb is greater
Short field performance is - shorter
Seating position is more upright
Larger instrument panel is possible
Viking Engine up front
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Viki ... opics/4760Note the comment in bold above. "he new thrust line will keep the nose down when adding power"
After changing wing incidence, tail incidence, changing the trim system I think he's finally realized the trim issues he's experiencing with his Waiex are probably related to the non standard engine/mount/prop he hung in front of that airplane. The goal of all this it seems is raising the trust line to (possibly) overcome whatever issues he's having,
so now he's designing a complete new mount, cowling, canopy, windshield/glareshield setup, seating configuration and who knows what else to try and make this engine work on a Sonex/Waiex.
Imagine being an existing Sonex/Viking customer seeing this now...