Check it out here.
I see that it has dual redundant ECU's made by Rockwell Collins and that reminds me of this totally hilarious video made several years ago. This bit has actually been around in various forms for many decades. If you're an engineer you're going to love this! Enjoy! :-)
Classic video!
ReplyDeleteHas TAF said that the existing airframe will support the new 915? Agree, would make this an even more compelling 4-seater.
Yes, the airframe will support the 915 with some slight mods to the cowling, which they will provide. I'm excited about it. A slight delay to my project, but worth it.
ReplyDeleteThat's great. It's already impressive what they've done with that 914, I imagine the 915 will be pretty awesome.
ReplyDeleteBeen enjoying the blog, keep up the good work!
Craig have you looked into the revised electrical system required for the 915? I have been studying the 912is and 914 documentation to try and understand what the 915 install is likely to require and there are quite a few things to consider. I am making some assumptions due to lack of 915 technical information at present but locations will need to be found for the ECU and fuse box not found on the 914. The architecture will also need some thought. I don't personally like the Rotax or APF schemes as they are both a little unconventional. But they can be altered to suit. I am an avionics/electrical engineer by trade who is interested in building a sling 4, hence my interest.
ReplyDeleteGreat builders blog by the way.
I'm actually considering a 3rd option for the engine: A turbocharged, fuel injected mod of the 912ULS from EdgePerformance of Norway. More power and better fuel economy than the 914, and way cheaper than the 915 will cost (and more power than the 915 if I want). I do need to get hold of the install docs for that, but I'd expect similar requirements to any setup that has an ECU, etc.
DeleteI'm an EE too, but I'm not looking forward to figuring all of that out.
Thanks about the blog! Can't wait to fly my Sling 4! :-)
Interesting. I'll keep an eye on this blog to see which way you end up going. I'm way behind you in the process so I have the benefit of waiting for the actual 915 data, pricing and the likely factory option before making a decision. Good luck with your decision and enjoy the rest of your build.
DeleteThe Sling4 with the 915 willbe the best tourer airplane ever. I flew once the Sling2 from EL to Bloemfontein. Not bad but the GS was around 80 knots. On the way back, massive updrafts and dowdrafts. Would have been much nicer to climb above 12000 feet( with a bit of O2).
DeleteYes, I suspect it will be a great engine in the 4. My 915 is on order! ;-)
DeleteWith regards to the 915, other than cowling and mounts, will there be any revisions to the airframe do to potential increase in airspeed?
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard about any, though that doesn't mean they're not working on things. I'd suggest checking with them directly.
DeleteI do know they're mounting the 915 right now on an existing airframe.
Hey Craig. What made you go with the Rotax 915 and not the modified 912?
ReplyDeleteCheers
I didn't like the idea that that option required re-welding the crankshaft. I prefer my crankshafts be factory made...
DeleteIn any case, after all that, I'm shifting back to the 914. It seems the factory is making many changes to the Sling 4 to accommodate the 915 and it's simply not worth it to me to not be able to take full advantage of the 915's capabilities.
Yeah I definitely agree with the crankshaft
ReplyDeleteWith the changes they are making, what capabilities will be missing?
I don't know that any capabilities will be missing. As I understand it they're basically strengthening the structure where appropriate.
DeleteAh yes I understand now. You would have to get the new wings to make full use of the 915 I see. Thanks Craig
DeleteNew Sling 4 TSi
ReplyDeleteFeatures (new compared to the current Sling 4)
Rotax 915 iS 135 hp turbocharged engine (20% more power)
New Airmaster constant speed propeller
Completely new wing with 175 L fuel capacity
Balanced control surfaces
Countersunk rivets on front third of all leading edges
New design front cowling to accommodate the intercooler
New main wheel spats
New airfoil shaped main gear legs
New canopy with modified doors and hinges
New seats and interior upholstery
Rear seat moved back to Sling 4 original position giving more head and leg room
Parachute moved back giving more luggage space
Specifications (Sling 4 in brackets)
Weights
Standard aircraft empty weight 508 kg (490 kg)
MAUW 950 kg (920 kg)
Useful load with full fuel tanks 320 kg (315 kg)
Dimensions
All same as Sling 4 except wingspan 9.56 m (9.96 m)
Engine
Max continuous power 127 hp (100 hp)
Fuel consumption at cruise 30 L/h (25 L/h)
Speeds and Range
VNe 145 Kts (135 Kts)
Fast cruise speed at sea level 130 KTAS (118 KTAS)
Fast cruise speed at 8,000 ft asl 140 KTAS (125 KTAS)
Stall in landing configuration sea level 50 KIAS (48 KIAS)
Rate of Climb sea level MAUW 680 ft/min (540 ft/min)
Range at economy cruise 1,400 km (1,350 km)
Interesting. Where did you get the info? A Google search doesn't show anything.
DeleteHere's specs of the Sling with the 915is.
ReplyDeletehttps://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/9ca7db_ad272ab987254f4db32bef94af0f0bc0.pdf?index=true
The performance specs don't seem correct. The speed in knots and MPH for Vne and Cruise Speed don't match. There are no changes in the weights between the Sling 4 Turbo and Tsi, which also doesn't seem right.
DeleteI was in Torrance last week and spoke with Jean. He said they will have a Sling 4 with 915 at OSH and will have kits available just before then. I'm willing to wait a few more months to see possibly more accurate numbers.
I currently fly and own a Cessna Corvalis 400 and I am thinking about building a Sling 4. I'm also interested in the 915is.
ReplyDeleteI'll be at Oshkosh 2018 to look around. Did you complete yours?