Piston vs. Supercharged vs. Turbine

[lonewolf172]

First Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. I tried this once before but apparently it didn't get posted for some reasom. I've narrowed my choice of helicopter kits down to the Safari and the Rotorway Talon but have a few questions about the engines recommended. Safari recommends a XP-360 170/185hp by Superior. The Talon comes with a RI 600N/147hp standard and a RI 600S/167hp supercharged engines, not sure who makes these. I have also seen some posting about a T62-32 Turbine that was installed in a Exec. I would like to get some input from more knowledgable people about their recomendations. Which would give me better performance, more reliable, more fuel ecomomy etc. Safari has a better build program with a factory for those wishing to build the kit themselves. But I like the Talon which is slightly smaller. One concern I would have with trying to install a Turbine in either would be any modifications that would have to be done to the kit. Any input would be greatly appricated.

[1badz32]

From a mechanical stand point, and having delt with different types of engines... the fewer parts the better. Turbine engines have very few moving parts compaird to a typical 4 stroke engine, which usually means a longer life span. But i "assume" being a less comon engine the turbine's replacement parts probebly are a bit more costly.

If time biulding is a priority, I think turbine would have an advantage over piston. The supercharger just adds to the many moving parts, sure it boost power out put, but unless the engine is designed for FI, it usually tends to decrease the life of the engine.

Just my $0.02

hoppfully someone with alittle more heli minded knowlage will chime in.

[spw1177]

The engine in the Talon is actually made by Rotorway. For performance turbines are usually better but the fuel consumption will be higher when compared to a piston.

[apiaguy]

Only you can decide what ship will be right for you...

 

What elevation do you live... where will you be flying it? If you are less than 2000 feet msl any engine will be fine and you won't notice much difference between the aircraft. If you are going to fly above 4000 feet the supercharged engine is going to win in continued output upto 7000 feet...

The turbine conversion should only be considered if you are an enthusiast that really wants to build an aircraft.. while it is not a hard conversion, you will spend time tinkering with it.... and some people just want a kit helicopter to fly and fly as soon as possible.

The turbine conversion will give you the most performance of the 3 aircraft but at a higher fuel consumption and overall higher cost to build.

[lonewolf172]

Thanks for all of your input. All in all I think it might be better to just stay with the piston engine vs. the turbine althrough I still might opt for the supercharged version of Rotorways RI 600S getting the more HP. Would any know what the specs are for the RI 600 or should I contact Rotorway?