SkyRanger Engine Choices
Please note that the SkyRanger Kit does not include engine, propeller or instruments.
| ROTAX 912 and 912 UL | |
 |
80 HP (912) or 100 HP (912 UL) |
| 4 Stroke, 4 Cylinder, horizontally opposed | |
| Water Cooled heads, air cooled barrels | |
| Dual brakeless, capacitor discharge ignition | |
| Twin Carburettors | |
| Prop drive via reduction gear | |
| Arguably the best engine available
for Micro light aircraft today. Powerful and reliable, although expensive. |
|
| ROTAX 503 | |
 |
53 HP |
| Twin Cylinder 2-stroke | |
| Air Cooled | |
| Dual electronic ignition | |
| Twin Carburettors | |
| Prop drive via reduction gear | |
| Good performance and economy.
Reduced climb performance with two people (400 - 500 fpm). Good Choice for a low cost setup. |
|
| ROTAX 582 | |
 |
65 HP |
| Twin Cylinder 2-stroke | |
| Air Cooled | |
| Dual electronic ignition | |
| Twin Carburettors | |
| Prop drive via reduction gear | |
| Good performance and economy.
Reduced climb performance with two people (400 - 500 fpm). Good Choice for a low cost setup. |
|
| JABIRU 2200 | |
 |
80 HP |
| 4 Cylinder, Horizontally opposed | |
| Air Cooled | |
| Dual transistorized magneto ignition | |
| Single Carburettor | |
| Direct Drive | |
| The Jabiru performs well and seem
well suited to the SkyRanger. People seem to have varying opinions in regard to reliability. |
|
| HKS | |
 |
70 HP |
| 2 Cylinder, Horizontally opposed | |
| Air Cooled | |
| Dual Carburettors | |
| Direct Drive | |
| Not well known in New Zealand, but manufactured by a very reputable Japanese automotive performance company. Could be a good option. | |
| SIMONINI VICTOR 2 | |
 |
92 HP (Victor 2) or 103 HP (Victor 2 Plus) |
| Twin Cylinder, 2-Stroke | |
| Water Cooled | |
| Dual ignition | |
| Dual Carburettors | |
| Prop drive via reduction drive | |
| Phenomenal power to weight.
Amazing climb performance, very respectable fuel economy. Can be
a bit slow to start when mounted inverted (as on the SkyRanger). Fits on Rotax 582 engine mount. |
|
| VW (AERO-VEE or GREAT PLAINS) | |
 |
80 HP |
| 4 Cylinder, Horizontally opposed | |
| Air Cooled | |
| Single Carburettor | |
| Direct Drive | |
| The VW is a low cost four stroke
option which is not at present commonly used on SkyRanger aircraft, but has proved a viable option with careful installation and maintenance. |
|
