Jabiru 5100 8 Cylinder Update

September 4th, 2003: Proving Trials reach 200 hrs

VH-EEV, Jabiru 5100 installation, Port

VH-EEV, Jabiru 5100 installation, Stbd

The Jabiru 5100 8 cylinder engine has now been flown in proving trials to 200 hours. The engine is proving reliable and is delivering the promise of smooth and effortless horsepower for experimental category aircraft.

The 8 cylinder is rated at 180 horsepower and is the latest development of the successful and locally (Australian) made Jabiru 4 and 6 cylinder engines. Built on the same production line and using many common components, there is every reason this engine will deliver on its promise.

The factory is using the popular RV6a homebuilt to undertake the proving flight trials in the capable hands of Col Crittenden. Col is a RV6 owner and experienced pilot and comments "IN ALL A VERY NICE A/C TO FLY AND HAS LOST NOTHING IN ITS NORMAL SUPERB HANDLING IN THE JABIRU CONVERSION".

I was able to fly with Col last week on a typical sortie. The start and warmup were normal and we taxied out to r/w 14 at Bundaberg. There was no hesitation on takeoff as the power is delivered smoothly and quickly and VH-EEV was soon climbing at 1500 fpm. In the air the balance of aircraft and engine was impressive. Col notes that the handling and performance is on a par with an O360 powered RV. But, as I can attest, the engine is "turbine smooth" and exceptionally quiet.

The landing was similarly uneventful for an all round flight that was very pleasing. With production of this engine now started, it is starting to make its way into the hands of builders. Jabiru has cowls and mounts for the popular RV range including the 6, 7, 8 and 9 in both tricycle and tailwheel version. If you are building an RV then be sure to consider this superb new engine. It will deliver everything that the others can with smoothness and cost effectiveness putting it way out front.