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For the past year Eric has been working with the factory to bring the little AXIRO rotary up to it's true 40 HP. This was accomplished by increased carburetor efficiency, and the a higher performance ignition system.
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Phantom Classic (Phantom X-1) |
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Wing Span |
28.5 ft |
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Wing Support |
Wire Braced |
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Max Gross Weight |
650 lbs |
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G Rating |
+6 / -4 @ 450 lbs |
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Ultimate G Rating |
+9 / -6 @ 450 lbs |
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Empty Weight |
254 lbs to 315 lbs |
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Engine |
XR-40 Rotary
Rotax 447 or 503 |
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Horsepower |
40 Hp or 50 Hp |
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Top Speed |
63 mph w/ 447
70 mph w/ 503 |
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Fuel Capacity |
5 or 10 gallons |
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Takeoff Distance |
200 ft |
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Rate of Climb |
500 fpm w/ 447
750 fpm w/ 503 |
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Stall Speed |
28 mph |
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Flaps |
Optional |
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Disc Brakes |
Standard |
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Vne |
100 mph |
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Basic Price
(kit form) |
$13,500 w/ 447
$14,500w/ 503 or Rotary Engine |
The engine was then installed on a single place Phantom where it was put through it's paces, for over 100 hours, before being brought to Sun N Fun. At Sun N Fun Eric flew on the single rotor engine daily during the show.
When you consider the hot, humid conditions and the fact that Eric stands some 6 feet tall and weighs in at over 200 lbs. the AXIRO engine performed quite well getting off the ground easily in less than 300 feet, climbing skyward at 450 to 500 feet a minute.
According the Eric "it performs exactly the same as a Rotax 447, but with considerably less weight, coming in complete at 65 lbs." Cruise comes in at around 60 to 65 mph. with a fuel burn of 2.5 gallons per hour.
The engine comes as a package, which includes engine, belt drive system, electric start, radiator, ignition system, exhaust and carburetor, and six month warranty.
Eric expects the TBO on the engine to be initially in 500 hour range, with the time increased as hours are put on the engine.
Rebuilding the complete engine should take approximately 4 hours, with parts and service available from Phantom Aeronautics.
Eric let it slip that once he gets back from Sun N Fun he will be working on a single cylinder rotary of 80 horsepower, with fuel injection. |
