I am currently wondering why we don’t see more aircraft with the Jabiru 2200 engine in Europe? It apparently has the same power output (80 hp) as the much better known Rotax 912, is 10 kg lighter and costs approx 10% less (than the “UL” version of the Rotax 912).
I have heard the following “cons” with respect to the Jabiru:
a) It only drinks (expensive) AVGAS (the Rotax 912UL only MOGAS)
b) It has no reduction gearing and max. power output is at about 3,300 rpm which results in propeller efficiency and noise problems (well, the Australians seem somehow to have overcome this problem with their Jabiru aircraft)
c) Prone to overheating (can’t quite believe this with an Australian engine, providing the cowling is properly designed)
d) Maintenance intensive, particularly during the run-in period
e) Poor cold-starting capability
Do anyone out there have any experience with the Jabiru engine?
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April 11, 2006 at 9:46 pm