Capella XLS
Gregory James
Has anyone built or help build a Capella? I would like to hear about how the
kit was and the factory support. Was it a good project and are you happy with
the outcome and performance?. Can the XLS use the E81 Subaru engine?. And any
other info you can think of would be most appreciated.
Thanks, Greg James
Jim Campbell
After a few years of difficulties, it seems that Capella is well on it's way to
regaining a positive stance in the industry. Talks with Reid have revealed some
intensive investments in tooling to produce "matched-hole" kit components, quality
control does seem to be improving (according to dealer/builders), and I'm impressed
with a new attitude that seems more interwested in solving problems than avoiding
blame. That's pretty cool, and if you know our history with this company, that's
pretty positive statement. I'll check with Reid about the Subaru conversions, though
I vaguely recall others already attempting same. I'm due to fly the new Fastback
Capella and their ultralight Javelin shortly (some very positive builder reports on
that aircraft so far, by the way... pretty fast builder, apparently), and will file
remarks shortly thereafter.
--
Jim Campbell--US Aviator Magazine...
"Proof Positive" That Aero-Magazines Don't Have to Be Boring!
http://www.us-aviator.com (over a million served!!)
Patrick O'Neill
(Gregory James) wrote:
>Can the XLS use the E81 Subaru engine?. And any
> other info you can think of would be most appreciated.
>
> Thanks, Greg James
I think that it CAN use the E-81, although I know of no firewall-foreward
kit for it. From what I have read, it flies pretty decent on a Rotax
2-cycle, so an E-81 may be overkill. It would probably drive it to Vne at
75% power!
--
Patrick O'Neill
ozo...@wolfenet.com
"Intel Inside", the world's most widely used warning label!
CAPELLA1
The Rotax 912 is our choice for a 4-cycle. In fact, the Capella was
originally designed around this engine. Because the prototype aircraft
was completed before the 912 was available, we installed the 582 engines
initially.
We looked into the Suburu idea a few years back but decided it was not
within our concept goals of providing a complete kit that could be built
out of the box with a minimum of hassle. Of course at the time there were
not many, if any, ready to go conversions available either.
I personnaly still prefer the 912 over the suburu. Why? On the average
the 912 weighs in at around 100 pounds less dry weight for the same power.
If you compare the price of a properly/professionally prepared conversion
to that of the 912, the difference in cost is not an issue. If you are
willing to convert/experiment with the suburu yourself, you might save
yourself some money, but you won't save any time.
Then of course there is the structural issue of that extra 100 pounds on
the nose, and the balance problem that requires counter ballast in the
tail, and finding the right redrive ratio and prop combination, and
figuring out how to grab a car motor and hang it on a firewall, and
modifying the cowl to fit around it cause the thrust lines in a different
place, and correcting the resultant trim deviations, and etc.
Well, You probably get my drift. I like the 912.
CAPELLA1
Sorry. I forgot to sign my post regarding the Subaru engine on the
Capella.
I am,
J. Reid Howell
President
Capella Aircraft Corporation
PS: I do not mean to suggest that there is anything wrong with the Subaru
engines. Simply put, the Capella was designed with specific powerplant
parameters taken into account. To my knowledge, no one has attempted to
install a Subaru engine in a Capella. What you would get with a Subaru
engine is unknown. A "Subella"? A "Caparu"? Anyway, it would'nt be a
Capella:)
maitla...@gmail.com
quadcoenv...@gmail.com
> Does anyone have contact info for J. Reid Howell? I'm trying to find some info on a Capella T-Raptor that I just purchased.
http://www.eaa187.org/index.php/browse/28-stiletto-airpark-hangars
nickr...@gmail.com
> Does anyone have contact info for J. Reid Howell? I'm trying to find some info on a Capella T-Raptor that I just purchased.
I think my will be a Capella XS or XLS with Rotax 582. If you have any suggestion for me, I'll be grateful.
thanks
Nicola
skyvisi...@gmail.com
I have an unbuilt Capella 2 seater that is missing the wing spars. Is there a source for the original materials meant for the spars or will I be required to fabricate some. I own a sign manufacturing company and have access to untold amounts of extrusions.
Thank you...
Sherman Swofford
skyvi...@aol.com
864 706 9591
Ron Wanttaja
Ron Wanttaja