I wouldn't even consider a constant speed for this airplane. This is a single purpose airplane. Go fixed pitch for the best takeoff performance you can get. A constant speed is great for getting that takeoff performance and some decnet cruise speeds, but it comes as cost in weight.

Jeredp wrote:...Go fixed pitch for the best takeoff performance you can get...

I have spoken with Craig Catto directly, and specifically about props for the SQ2. This is a direct quote:

"We have been running our 86x40 on most of these applications. And everyone seems to be quite happy with them.

With the constant speed, your takeoff roll might go from 65 feet to 50-55ft. At 50mph, climb rates will be the same. As for cruise, you will see the same speeds for the fuel burn. Just you can pull the rpm back with the constant speed. That is about it.

And for the constant speeds, most are going with the Whirlwinds.

Our 86x40 goes for $2950.  Standard with Nickel Leading Edges.

Regards,
Craig Catto"

The 65 feet he is referencing is the takeoff roll with the aforementioned Catto prop. According to Craig Catto from zero to 50mph the Whirl Wind Aviation STOL prop is the winner, after that the props are essentially even other then engine rpm, which will be lower with the Constant Speed.

You are of course correct about the weight. Whether the performance gain for the weight gain is worth it is of course up to the owner.

The Whirl Wind Aviation STOL Prop sells for $9,770 plus the governor at $1,375.

Like you said, this is a single purpose airplane. You want the best takeoff performance you can get there will be a Whirl Wind Aviation STOL prop on the front.

Barnstormer wrote:

Jeredp wrote:...Go fixed pitch for the best takeoff performance you can get...

I have spoken with Craig Catto directly, and specifically about props for the SQ2. This is a direct quote:

"We have been running our 86x40 on most of these applications. And everyone seems to be quite happy with them.

With the constant speed, your takeoff roll might go from 65 feet to 50-55ft. At 50mph, climb rates will be the same. As for cruise, you will see the same speeds for the fuel burn. Just you can pull the rpm back with the constant speed. That is about it.

And for the constant speeds, most are going with the Whirlwinds.

Our 86x40 goes for $2950.  Standard with Nickel Leading Edges.

Regards,
Craig Catto"

The 65 feet he is referencing is the takeoff roll with the aforementioned Catto prop. According to Craig Catto from zero to 50mph the Whirl Wind Aviation STOL prop is the winner, after that the props are essentially even other then engine rpm, which will be lower with the Constant Speed.

You are of course correct about the weight. Whether the performance gain for the weight gain is worth it is of course up to the owner.

The Whirl Wind Aviation STOL Prop sells for $9,770 plus the governor at $1,375.

Like you said, this is a single purpose airplane. You want the best takeoff performance you can get there will be a Whirl Wind Aviation STOL prop on the front.

Very interesting! I guess another factor would be cg. If the thing is going to be a little heavy in the rear, a CS may be the ticket to put a little weight up front. For myself, I just couldnt see adding the cost, weight, and maintenance to such a simple lightweight airplane.

And so it starts Kevin....., stay away from the dark side and keep it light as possible, and if you stand it on its nose it won't be nearly as expensive. One of the coolest new to me planes I saw at JC was Wally's 900 lb. Cub. I wish I could have flown with him, next time. That SQ that was there? I saw it make a few takeoffs that evening, it didn't exactly blow my socks off, the CC's that were also flying then beat it off every time. And, I was told that my earlier takeoffs, when it was hotter, were shorter then the CC's, it ain't all about more power and thrust.

SuperFlite is a good covering system. Very glossy finish and forgiving. It's nasty urethane paint (isocyanates) but that won't be your problem. It certainly is not light if one goes by the book on paint application.

Can't wait to see it. I really like Dave's paint scheme. Makes that funky cowling look normal instead of weird. Would look great in white and black also.

Amen Tom! Those SQ's were all over 1300lbs! Gotta keep it light. 1150 is the goal. So many wonders for certain.

Wally's 900 lb der is awesome..sure makes a guy think. 50$k and he is having just as much fun. Can't second guess myself now. Im in. It was great to see you Tom. Will be real interesting to see how this all pans out when completed.

If you're considering constant speed, you may as well go for the reversed pitch option... When on skis, landing next to those AStars would be the shit!

Flying is going to be a bitch for you from now kevin, I mean I cant think of anything more strenuous that opening the hangar and having to decide between taking the ultimate dream 180 for a fly or the ultimate dream cub! I feel for you mate.......

that said Im happy to take one off your hands if it helps

well done mate, cant wait to see videos of it in action and I dont think I'm the only one. Are you going to be keeping this one in tahoe or Alaska? I only ask as If its in tahoe it will be in similar conditions to down here, in which case I know of a few people who are building super stols looking at using oratex and will be great to see how it goes.

As for light weight avionics I really like the MGL iEFIS and V6R radio.

Keep it light, keep it simple.
I flew mine on 8.50's and it is a ball to fly. It weighs 1035 on 8.50's. They fly so much better the lighter they are.
I love the trig radio with the built in intercom.

Nice and light Tom but I wonder if this is actually lighter and up to date. Dont get me wrong I love the steam gages but these units can have all in one and eliminate a lot of weight.

Bill Rusks new Javaron Panel


Dave Kirstens new SQ Panel


Its really amazing to me all of the opinions and take aways on props from folks. I like what you had to say Phil about the Catto stuff compared to Whirlwind but when speaking with several others, Breedens, Goza and a few others, the Catto is the only way to go. I see this is going to turn out like my Mac VS MT deal on the 180... I wont know until I try them.

Getting way ahead of myself but again really all thats on my mind as of late (sort of my personality, I become obsessed with things and go all in)...Here is my paint scheme Im thinking only replace the red with black. Thoughts?



I dont know...just having fun. Like you said CG...here we go....it has only just begun.

AKT

A twin of your wagon , I like it
Chuck

That would look mighty swanky mate! A twin with the wagon would be amazing! As much as I prefer vacuum gauges i can certainly see you point relating to weight with the glass cockpit

There are a bunch of red and white super Cubs with big tires out there. Not saying you would do something wrong, but..... Mines staying red and white.

Here is our very own "Barnstormer" and his panel..



As my obsession continues to grow I have started a gallery of every SQ I have seen so far. Have you seen one? I would like to see it. Have spoken to virtually all of the owners so far. Kinda cool gathering info from them all.

Only thing missing in this photo is a hand sticking out the wind with the pitchfork on the fingers...


Here is the SQ gallery:

https://www.backcountrypilot.org/me/my- ... bumid=4542

As I continue to say, I sure hope I can keep the weight down on this bird... Its my biggest concern

AKT

Barnstormer wrote:With the constant speed, your takeoff roll might go from 65 feet to 50-55ft. At 50mph, climb rates will be the same. As for cruise, you will see the same speeds for the fuel burn. Just you can pull the rpm back with the constant speed. That is about it.

This sounds like a gent who hasn't run CS props much. In fact, in cruise, the most efficient propellers are run back at 1700 to 1900 rpm. While you can run a fixed pitch propeller in that range, you're also running very low percentage of power, and dogging along. With a Constant speed prop, you can pull that rpm down to 1900 or so, but control percent power with the throttle. By playing this game, you can not only increase cruise speed, but improve fuel economy as well. I've proven that many times with Huskys, for example. And, going faster while burning a couple gallons of gas per hour less is a big deal in my book.

But, as noted, constant speed props are expensive. Composite constant speed props are far lighter than their metal counterparts, but they are always going to be a little heavier than a fixed pitch prop, no doubt. And, they are more expensive, no doubt.

That said, go get in a Husky, an airplane whose design is very close to the Super Cub, play with power settings and prop rpm some, and you'll better understand the capabilities offered by the constant speed prop.

A single purpose airplane? So, you live within 100 miles of all the places you'll want to visit? And, the price of gas is irrelevant? Granted, the price differential of the props is huge and would buy a lot of gas, but there are places to visit with such a machine where gas is dear and hard to find. Burning less means longer unrefueled legs....often a good thing, particularly in the north.

FWIW

MTV

Have you seriously considered reversible constant speed prop systems like from MT? Are floats in your mission? I see the SQs landing with such high AOA that they bounce and the brakes aren't as affective when you are 6 inches in the air. Going full reverse has gotta shorten the landing distances in a significant way. Wonder what the weight penalty would be over and above a normal constant speed setup.

Also what's your latest thinking on landing gear? Traditional? AOSS? Or the outboard ydraulic system like on Breeden's Cub?

soyAnarchisto wrote:Have you seriously considered reversible constant speed prop systems like from MT?...

Whirl Wind Aviation has a beta prop option. Randy Goza played with it for a while on my plane before I bought it. Think it was still in the developmental stage at the time but Randy could better speak to that.

Just an update here. Ranch Pilot paid a visit to my build today and sent me some pics...[emoji102]



And his favorite...given he got to fly it before me...


Oh yes, I'm putting the lazy boy in for certain. Complete with the mechanical foot stool and all...

Tony from TK1 is going out on Wednesday to install the side shocks. Those are the TK's as the cross shocks.

AKT

AKT

I'd call em tomorrow and demand a new seat cushion foam.