New E-Prop install

[coppercity]

I've been flying this E-Prop on one of our CTLS's for the last month. So far it is performing very well.  Takeoff and climb performance are improved due to the ability to achieve higher static and climb RPM (5400-5600) and cruise speeds remain the same as the prop doesn't overspeed during cruise.  It is well balanced, smooth and light.

 

[Jacques]

 your engine is saying thanks

 

what pitch did you set it ?

[Tom Baker]

Just curious, did you see any difference in engine temperatures?

[GrassStripFlyBoy]

I noticed a new 2020 CTLS video on YouTube a week or so back from a French dealer showcasing the brand new airplane, had this prop on it - was surprised.  I sure like the looks of the Sensenich props, but hard to dismiss the performance in these E-Props.  

[GrassStripFlyBoy]

Found the video:  Nouveau CTLSi 2020 Flight Design - YouTube

[coppercity]

51 minutes ago, Tom Baker said:

Just curious, did you see any difference in engine temperatures?

Hi Tom,

I haven't noticed much change in temps, but it's our coldest month here in AZ and have thermostats on the engine.  May and June will be the true test for temps.

[coppercity]

1 hour ago, Jacques said:

 your engine is saying thanks

 

what pitch did you set it ?

I started at the factory setting of around 24 deg, that was a little flat, so ended up at around 26 deg for now.

[coppercity]

Another noteworthy item on this prop is it only weighs 4.4 lbs, a Neuform is 11.2 lbs and a Sensenich is 9.0 lbs.

 

[Jacques]

27 minutes ago, coppercity said:

I started at the factory setting of around 24 deg, that was a little flat, so ended up at around 26 deg for now.

Thanks ,, that's why I was asking,,as I always (installed a few) found the recommended pitch not enough.

[Madhatter]

I've had my e-prop for a good while, the 1st on a CT in the US. My climb out temps are lower due to less load on the engine because of higher rpm. This was the best modification other than avionics that I've done.

[Jacques]

everything is carbon fiber made. hub,blades & spinner

https://aircraft.e-props.fr/index.php?language=en&osCsid=ca6ebe5dc10b299a40ecd5a66369b005

 

[Skunkworks85]

3 hours ago, coppercity said:

Another noteworthy item on this prop is it only weighs 4.4 lbs, a Neuform is 11.2 lbs and a Sensenich is 9.0 lbs.

 

How would it hold up flying though rain? Does it have a metal leading edge?

 

I have eyed the Sensenich due to this functionality. 

[Jacques]

8 minutes ago, Skunkworks85 said:

How would it hold up flying though rain? Does it have a metal leading edge?

 

 

Titanium leading edges

https://aircraft.e-props.fr/protection.php?osCsid=12a39a2fd5fecf46a5862e30954344a7

[Madhatter]

I asked the e-prop manufacturer about rain and they said there is no issue. The leading edges have a replaceable protection strip.

[FlyingMonkey]

Cost?  Prop diameter?

Also, I'm a little unsure about the statement: "the ability to achieve higher static and climb RPM (5400-5600)".  It's really hard to get apples-to-apples comparisons on that, and a lot goes into it (prop pitch, aircraft deck angle in the climb, etc).  Not saying you are wrong, I'm just wondering how you tested to see the differences.

I will be in the market for a new prop in the next year or so, I would love to see head-to-head comparisons against the Sensenich.

[AGLyme]

5 hours ago, GrassStripFlyBoy said:

Found the video:

Did you note the full fairings on the mains on that French CTLS?  Pretty slick.  And I like the extra buttons on the stick.  

This prop looks like a winner.  I stumbled on it at Sun n Fun 2018 on two different installations, and the Dealers swore by this prop.  Thank you for pointing out the weight variance Copper... that's a gallon of gas+...; )  Copper, any noise variance?  i.e. louder?   Quieter?  Thank you... 

[Madhatter]

I have a documented flight test analysis of the e-prop which Flight Design USA used get approval for the prop use. It was done as unbiased as I could do with the test equipment I had available. You are welcome to it if it helps you. The blade design is like nothing I had ever seen before. 

[Jacques]

45 minutes ago, FlyingMonkey said:

, I would love to see head-to-head comparisons against the Sensenich.

don't know about the Sensenich, but I did compared it with a Whirlwind in 2018

RE-read the post   

 

 

 

[GrassStripFlyBoy]

13 minutes ago, AGLyme said:

Did you note the full fairings on the mains on that French CTLS?  Pretty slick.

Lots of details such as the plates on the door opening frame too.  I'm planning a new stick tube and grip in my future projects.

[FlyingMonkey]

1 minute ago, Jacques said:

don't know about the Sensenich, but I did compared it with a Whirlwind in 2018

RE-read the post   

 

Thanks Jacques!

The E-props is very tempting, I just need more research to make an informed choice.  It looks like the cost with spinner is about $2200 USD, which puts it a couple hundred cheaper than the Sensenich.  I also like that the e-props in 65" diameter, while the Sensenich is 68".  That extra 1.5" ground clearance is nice for me with all the grass I land on.

I am curious how the E-props manages to get similar thrust to the other Rotax props with a much shorter blade chord.  They seem to be pitched about 24°, which my Neuform is around 23° IIRC.  Maybe the higher angle of attack on the prop makes up the difference, and I assume a short chord means less drag as well.  I'm sure the two airfoils have significant differences.

[FlyingMonkey]

2 minutes ago, GrassStripFlyBoy said:

Lots of details such as the plates on the door opening frame too.  I'm planning a new stick tube and grip in my future projects.

I need you to make me some new instrument panels first!  I have cash in hand!  

[Warmi]

I think E-props are similar to DUC props which supposed to have this "constant speed prop" effect ..

With my DUC propI get the following RPMs:

5450 on roll out ( on the ground)
5250 on climb out
5650 on WOT at 3000 

 

[FlyingMonkey]

I have to admit I'm skeptical of the "constant speed effect".  The engineering involved to make the prop blades twist exactly the way you want to seems voodoo-like, like something NASA could do, but not so sure about a small prop company.   I'm also not sure how that flex contributes to longevity or the lack thereof.

[Madhatter]

The e-prop does not twist in flight.

[Warmi]

29 minutes ago, FlyingMonkey said:

I have to admit I'm skeptical of the "constant speed effect".  The engineering involved to make the prop blades twist exactly the way you want to seems voodoo-like, like something NASA could do, but not so sure about a small prop company.   I'm also not sure how that flex contributes to longevity or the lack thereof.

So am I .. I just quoted their marketing spiel   - I can't complain about the prop not running well and I know quite a few people who had this prop for 1000+ hours ( including Rich of Sting Flight who had his for something like 2000 hours I think ) so I am pretty happy with it ( do I have a choice ? it came with the plane ...)