Originally published at: Risen 916 Sets Two World Speed Records
Rotax-powered microlight reached 244.7 knots during record flights in Italy.
Looking at the very exact objective of the ROTAX 916 application I wonder why the specifications do not contain also directives for the propeller to be used?
Second - as an old advocate of adaptive propeller technology - wish to remind, the achievable top speed depends not only on the power of the engine, and on the aerodynamic shape of the body of the plane. Propellers’ role is just as great.
If not greater. All traditional propellers have their very definite top speed, beyond which they just stop developing thrust. This value can be set at the design phase. Limiting factor is the well-known deterioration of the low speed and takeoff characteristics, as higher and higher design-top-speeds are picked.
Present report is very clear about the existence of a very strong desire within the aviation community to achieve higher speeds with small planes too. Can’t wait when the real key to that - the factual embracing of the adaptive propeller technology - gets widely discovered.