Xenon Gyro

[Boet]

You fllaimtjine is very beaudifull. Wish you many happy and safe flying hours in her.

[Magnifan]

Hi

I know that I am reviving a very old thread, but I am interested to know how the performance of the 914 compares with the 912RST?

[FlyingDoc]

As far as I know the 912RST has a problem.
The 914 also had a less of a problem with "hot air intake" but that has been sorted out with a separate fresh air intake ben fitted.

[FO Gyro]

I would like to go up in one sometime. I don't suppose there is one flying in the Western Cape region?

[FlyingDoc]

FO, sure but you will need to migrate back to the Highlands.... There are only four in the country and are all here in the Johannesburg area.
Alan

[FO Gyro]

I'll have to be the first to get one here in the Cape. As it is, I have the only MT-03 here.

[Magnifan]

Sorry to hear the 912 RST has a problem. Was the "hot air intake" problem related to the engine being enclosed?

[johnht]

I know it is said "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's [anything]", but it's very hard in this case!!

The Xenon is really a beaut - congratulations and here's hoping you'll have many [only] safe hours!!

John

zu-jht

[Magnifan]

I also really like the look of the Xenon and have been following it on Rotaryforum.com where it has been really well recieved.

[FlyingDoc]

Johnht,
Certainly with my RT that was the main cause but Johan at Wagtail sorted that out for me. I think there is more to the RST problems than just that. Braam is in contact with Raphael so there is quite a bit going on. Johan also put in the new splitter on the throttle for me as well.

FO go for it. It would be great have a few more Xenon's around.

[Gyronaut]

I also really like the look of the Xenon

I second that.
I have been watching the Magni m24 development closely for two reasons...1) Enclosed, 2) Side by side, perfect.
If the performance specs and price compare it might be tough to choose.

I want one!

[Magnifan]

You should go and kick the wheels when you are next in Jo'burb, Jetranger!

[Gyronaut]

Nah, thats a party trick reserved for Sycamore-bakkies!

When I am next in JHB I will certainly go take a look yes!

[Xenon Fan]

Hi All.

I have been following the Xenon since the beginning and have seen the challenges that the in-country team had. The first Xenon was assembled and "launched" at Aldam in 2006. This gyro was then used as the testplatform to validate the performance for South Africa. The main challenge was to get the oiltemp for the 914 at around 100 degrees. The temp was fairly stable at 108 degrees but in the circuit quickly climbed to 118 degrees which was deemed the cutoff point. This was done so as not to damage the engine. Dual radiators were fitted and at the last flight the temps were at 88 degrees while she was working. There was also a problem with vapour lock in the fuel lines. The fuel pumps were moved from above the fuel tanks to the rear below the tanks. This ensured positive flow without have the serious vacuum with the pumps high. Johan Von Ludwig is just in the process of changing the engine mounts for a harder compound and she will be up and flying soon.

The second Xenon was bought by Jean Pierre Duponsel. He is busy assembling her and should be flying in two months time. The aircraft has been registered and is in the process of being painted.

The third and forth machines (yellow (RST) and grey (914) was imported next. These aircraft was tested and the local agents were not comfortable with the performance. The Grey machine also had a fuel vapour lock problem. The pumps were moved and that was solved. There was also a problem on both machines with the airbox temps. This was due to the airfilters being placed inside the cowling. Johan had the cowls modified to draw air from outside. This ensured the grey machine operating within expectations. The yellow machine still had the airbox temp high. One must remember that the RST is a 912 with a Mitsibushi Turbo. This is all mechanically/pneumatically operated. (No electronics/TCU) With the density altitude there was a problem balancing all the inputs. An intercooler was fitted and the airbox temp came down to 47 degrees. Raphael Celier also visited Johan and between the two of them sorted out all the settings. Both the 914 and RST is running at a boost pressure of 40 inches. This ensures engine life. The management systems were tested on the ground and simulations were carried out on the wastegate actuators allowing up to 52 inches of boost pressure before opening the wastegate. This allows for some serious power but compromises engine life.

The machines have now nearly finished their proving flights and the submissions for normal ATF should be made within the next weeks. The owners and pilots have been waiting for a long... time and i am sure that they are looking forward to enjoying their machines.

I spoke to Johan Von Ludwig regarding testflying one of the machines. It has not been possible but there has been other gyropilots assisting him with the test/proving flights. After speaking to them it would seem that the aircraft are basically sorted. They are flying well and predictable and all and all the total packace, size performance etc. is more than expected. The only challenge now is to see how to fly the yellow machine straight. She was fitted with tundra tyres. With the size of the nosewheel this acts as a rudder and forces you to have small constant pressure on the pedals.

It was educational to interact with the people at Wagtail and also to speak with Raphael. The design of the Xenon is fairly radical in my opinion. It is difficult when you design something from afresh to make it work. I think these guys have got an interesting machine which will work well in our environment.

There are rumours of an entry level Xenon comparing in price with the other machines available locally. The idea is to supply a basic machine with 120 + hp engine, rotors etc, but without the doors, leather seats etc. This will enable more people to enter the market and then to customize the aircraft over time. This includes fitting doors, other more advanced instruments, seat covers etc. There is however no further information available regarding this aircraft.

Interesting pages that i visited were, http://www.wagtail.co.za http://www.celieraviation.eu http://www.xenonowners.com and then also the rotaryforum. Search under gyros, enclosed side by side

Fly safely
xenon fan

[Gyronaut]

Thank you Xenon Fan

Considering its your first post, perhaps you should reveal your identity to add credibility to your statements otherwise they dont carry much weight I am afraid. For all we know you are the agent.

I'll keep watching the progress

Len