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Posted by "Frank Fry" <belvoir@ca.com.au>:


I can not help be convinced that the only viable power plant for the Lancair IV is the Walter Turbine.

There is a conversion kit available that adds 22 gal of internal fuel.
The kit costs $13,000, an overhauled engine and prop costs about $37,000 from www.diemechturbines.com.  The engine burns 32 gal per hour at 25,000 ft and 350 mph. Giving a range of 1600 miles.  If  you take into account the savings in acquisition costs it will take about 5000 hours to fly out the extra fuel burn costs verses the TSIO550.

Then there is the cost of overhaul! This is where the turbine  really comes into its own.  The cost of overhaul by www.diemechturbines.com is about $15,000. You can expect to run the full 1800 TBO. This gives an overhaul cost of $8.33 an hour. How may hours are you piston guys getting before overhaul and what are the real cost of running that TSIO 550?

If anyone wants convincing and can come to Perth, Australia I would love to take you flying in this most amazing turbine airplane.

Frank Fry
www.netwest.com.au/laser-one

LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
LML Builders' Bookstore:   http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair

Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.