Pipistrel Virus SW Performance Changes

[skippydiesel]

Am I the only person who thinks the changes to the Virus SW performance figures (STALL/high speed Cruise) since Pipistrel was bought out by Textron are a tad strange?

 

It would seem that the change of ownership has increased Stall from 30 Knots to 43 Knots and  high speed Cruise from 135 Knots to 147 Knots.

 

Under the previous ownership, this aircraft won several CAFE foundation competitions ie its performance was established by an independent third party.😈

[FlyBoy1960]

It depends on the model I am guessing. A lot of people get confused about the Virus and the Virus SW, which are completely different aircraft. There are also changes based on the equipment levels and the empty weight of the airframe (they really excel if flown light).

 

Peter Bugg is the local expert on the Virus SW and he flight plans at 150 kn at 8000 feet but I can't remember if it was 14 or 15 L per hour but it was something incredibly low. He has the fuel injected engine, in fact the 1st one sold by Rotax EVER.  Little bit of history there.

[BurnieM]

We flight plan at 16 litres/hour in a Evektor Harmony with a Rotax 912is but cruise is only 110kt.

 

[skippydiesel]

4 hours ago, BurnieM said:

We flight plan at 16 litres/hour in a Evektor Harmony with a Rotax 912is but cruise is only 110kt.

 

Wow! That's one draggy aircraft 😈

[BurnieM]

46 minutes ago, skippydiesel said:

Wow! That's one draggy aircraft 😈

Yeah, nah. Its pretty typical for an LSA.

 

[Thruster88]

1 hour ago, skippydiesel said:

Wow! That's one draggy aircraft 😈

If he used the Skippy method for calculating fuel consumption it would have been only 13lph for 110knots, almost unbelievable. Skippy and I are friends for those reading at home.

[Blueadventures]

2 hours ago, skippydiesel said:

Wow! That's one draggy aircraft 😈

Not draggy, just a well designed roomy, comfortable aircraft with nice width for two up, head height and plenty of room for luggage.  Just what I like in aircraft design.

[Moneybox]

The Harmony is exactly the same airframe as my Sportstar, slow compared to Skippy's but a low stall, take-off and landing distance as well. I have an inflight adjustable propeller so I'm hoping that'll give it a little more top end.

[skippydiesel]

11 hours ago, Blueadventures said:

Not draggy, just a well designed roomy, comfortable aircraft with nice width for two up, head height and plenty of room for luggage.  Just what I like in aircraft design.

Sounds like a great aircraft Blue however the performance figures don't lie: 

 

My Zephyr, with a 912ULS, sub 30 knot stall, 300 kg empty weight, very comfy for two, with ergonomically laid out controls and large baggage space - 100 knot Cruise @ 5200 rpm, ground adjust able prop, advantage TO,  consistently delivered an average fuel consumption a bit over 12L/hr (single pilot) Flight planned at 14L/hr-  Topped out at 120 knots, 5500 rpm at sea level.

 

My Sonex 912ULS, CS prop, 37 Knot stall, 340kg empty weight, squeezy for two, limited baggage volume - Crusie 130 knots @ 5000 rpm, 25" MAP, 14.25L/hr Flight plan at 15L/hr - tops out at 147 knots 5500 rpm.

 

Check out 912ULS powered ATEC Faeta, Pipistrel Virus SW - there may be other low stall/high speed cruise light aircraft. The Fatea has particularly good luggage capacity.

 

As far as I am concerned - anything that flies is wonderful and if it meets your wants thats all that matters.

 

Personally I like economy (without it I could not afford to fly) so the combination of low fuel consumption, with good speed (low trip time) "ticks my box"  😈

[facthunter]

Yes . You have mentioned THAT once or twice.  It's not everything for everybody. I've done plenty of cross countries in Tiger Moths. and the CITBRIA  I OWNED. I like a plane to be aerobatic, quiet and comfortable and easily repaired. We are ALL different.   Nev

[FlyBoy1960]

And we all have different purchasing power.   

 

A new Pipistrel Virus SW won't give you any change out of $350,000 + + + + 

[BurnieM]

Actually that is not really that expensive.

Pretty much every new factory built LSA is in the AU$300 to $350,000 range.

 

Edited Tuesday at 10:53 PM by BurnieM

[skippydiesel]

Slight posative spin -  If you want to save, go for a kit. The composite aircraft are all quick build  ie modules that can be shipped in a container, that you put together. 

 

The Faeta used to come as a complete airframe, on its wheels (painted if requested). The builder just had to fit the engine (supply if not ordered), avionics, wire & plumb the fuel - easy as!😈

[FlyBoy1960]

ATEC are gone now ?   I dont remember ?

[onetrack]

They still appear to be in business?

 

https://www.atecaircraft.eu/en/news

[skippydiesel]

1 hour ago, FlyBoy1960 said:

ATEC are gone now ?   I dont remember ?

I hope not - the owner died a few months back but his partner & the factory staff are all extant.

 

ATEC likly make the best performing aircraft in its class. Criteria: Superlative Flying Qualities/Low Stall/ High Cruise/Great Carrying Capacity/Comfort/Low Maintenance.  Yes I am biased but I recon anyone who has had a few ours in a Faeta/Zephyr (now out of production) would have the same opinion. The closest performer to the Fatea is the Virus SW - has a lower carrying capacity and has a very very much higher (new) acquisition cost.😈

[FlyBoy1960]

good news.  I heard the owner died and they were closing.  Hope they stay trading.