The test aircraft for the Geared
Drive PSRU is a Wheeler Express 90, fixed gear composite
aircraft, with a 400 cu inch small block Chevrolet engine. On the dyno, this
engine at 2700 RPM registered 311 HP and at 4000 RPM yielded 405 HP. We
have chosen a reduction ratio for this Wheeler of 1.562:1.00 and it turns a Hartzell, three blade, 80 " Prop.
Our test aircraft has
performed beyond our expectations. With many hours of testing and time in the
air we only just begun to realize how powerful and quick this engine and PSRU
combination truly is. Our initial climb with 2 persons
on board, and 50 gallons of fuel, is approximately 4000 feet per minute as
confirmed by
witnesses. This is not the max, as indicated by the photo
below, our climb rate can typically be pretty impressive at 4500-5000 fpm.
Our aircraft cruises very well at
3000 RPM and will even take off at that setting if desired. We can
fly any prop speed from 1800 to 2700 RPM. Our aircraft cruises very comfortably
at 175 knots. This combination produces
superior performance and lower fuel burn than a comparable certified engine at a
lower price.
