The new Smith Miniplane has an O-320! I've had it for almost two months. The split-tip prop went to Sensenich for repair (which looks like a new prop now) and I had to change out a cracked inner-wheel AND install a handheld and GPS.
There is no comparison to the old Smith with the little Franklin. This one really claws her way to 4,000 feet at a rate of 2,000fpm. The Flapperons really do slow her down for landing just under 50. Full flaps in the turns are a little squirrelly at slower speeds but keep it above 80 and it's just slow maneuvering. Flat-out WOT indicates 145. Stalls are much more exciting with a sharp right wing drop on power-off - the other Smith just nudged over-straight away.Take-off, about 200 feet from our terrific grass - old one 800 feet. Fuel-burn 3.3gals in 25 minutes. I'm not sure why there's fuel spray on the windshield when rolling it over (the cap is vented-that could be why). The old Smith was vented but didn't leak there (from the cap).
This one IS a little heavy on the nose. The old Smith had the ability to go from 800ft to 14" in the swamp in 20 seconds. I think this one will be that by half
10)!
Projects... 1.) Attention to the Fuel gauge 2.) Wheel Pants 3.) Canopy cover to protect the leather on the turtledeck while at Sun N Fun
See you in Lakeland!
Bj
352-344-5678Edited by: bjkirby2000
There is no comparison to the old Smith with the little Franklin. This one really claws her way to 4,000 feet at a rate of 2,000fpm. The Flapperons really do slow her down for landing just under 50. Full flaps in the turns are a little squirrelly at slower speeds but keep it above 80 and it's just slow maneuvering. Flat-out WOT indicates 145. Stalls are much more exciting with a sharp right wing drop on power-off - the other Smith just nudged over-straight away.Take-off, about 200 feet from our terrific grass - old one 800 feet. Fuel-burn 3.3gals in 25 minutes. I'm not sure why there's fuel spray on the windshield when rolling it over (the cap is vented-that could be why). The old Smith was vented but didn't leak there (from the cap).
This one IS a little heavy on the nose. The old Smith had the ability to go from 800ft to 14" in the swamp in 20 seconds. I think this one will be that by half
10)!Projects... 1.) Attention to the Fuel gauge 2.) Wheel Pants 3.) Canopy cover to protect the leather on the turtledeck while at Sun N Fun
See you in Lakeland!
Bj
352-344-5678Edited by: bjkirby2000
