Kiev vs. Whirlwind

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ScottieB
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Posts: 47
Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2010 8:07 pm

Kiev vs. Whirlwind

Post by ScottieB »

Hey guys,
I have been working toward getting some real numbers pertaining to a propeller comparison for a while now. I have flown a Kiev prop on my HIghlander for a little over 400 hours in the past 14 months and I have gotten to be quite familiar with it's performance. It is undeniably a great prop, but those words alone don't really say much so I did a pull test with a digital scale and then flew with a clipboard on my lap for a while to write down some real world numbers. I don't claim to be a professional as this but at least it's a start.
I was presented with the opportunity to test a Whirlwind prop and I tried to get a good baseline for comparison by setting the pitch for the same static RPM that my Kiev was set for.
Alright, let's see if I can arrange these numbers in a way that makes sense.

Kiev 3 blade propeller 74-3/4" diameter Set for Full Static RPM of 5400 Pulled 480 lbs. - 218 kg.
Ambient temperature 8C. Barometer 30.37 Test altitude (for speeds) 2000

RPM IAS
4800 80
5000 85
5100 88
5200 91
5300 93
5400 95
5500 98

I did this test again with the same prop and prop setting on a day when the
Ambient temperature was 25C. And the barometric pressure was 30.11

RPM IAS
4800 78
5000 82
5100 84
5200 86
5300 88
5400 91
5500 93

Now I removed the Kiev prop and installed the Whirlwind 75" diameter 3 blade
Static RPM = 5400 Barometric pressure 30.42 Test altitude (for speeds) 2000 Pulled 445 lbs. - 202 kg.
Ambient temperature 5C

RPM IAS
4800 86
5000 88
5100 93
5200 95
5300 98
5400 100
5500 102

I changed the pitch a little to achieve a static RPM of 5300. With all the other variables being the same
except the temp had risen to 8C.

RPM IAS
4800 87
5000 90
5100 94
5200 96
5300 99
5400 102
5500 104

Oh, I forgot to mention - I had a spinner on the Kiev prop but I don't have one to fit the Whirlwind so it was
done without one.
After the pull test, I thought the Whirlwind (although it's a beautiful prop) was not gonna be worth much
compared to the Kiev. I was wrong. Even though the numbers on the pull scale declared it to be a lesser performer,
I taxied out to the runway and gave it a try. My Highlander leapt off the ground and climbed very impressively.
I'm sorry that I can't give you any solid climb rate numbers because I don't have a VSI, but I have to say I was
pleasantly surprised. Jak saw it too. Now he's drooling over my new Whirlwind prop, Haha! (He may wind up with it,
he's quite the horse trader.) I also have to say that I was impressed with the increase in cruise speed. Now I'm
interested in trying it again with a static RPM of about 5200. If I do I'll let you know.

I don't know enough about this to say how much the different temperatures affected the performance numbers, but if I'm not
mistaken, our friend Jack Leroux might enlighten us on this subject.

I will try to post a picture or two of these props if anyone is interested.

Uh-oh, gotta go. The Cover Girl just invited me to dinner. Who's gonna turn that down?
User GDS
Veteran Member
Posts: 304
Joined: Sun Jul 01, 2012 11:59 am
Location: Big Bear Airport

Re: Kiev vs. Whirlwind

Post by User GDS »

Thanks for posting, great test, very interesting results.

If you test again at 5200 it will be interesting to see if the change in airspeed is linear. Are you going to try 5600?
GDS
So Cal
Highlander #232
Rotax 912ULS, Dynon Skyview
ScottieB
Forum Regular
Posts: 47
Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2010 8:07 pm

Re: Kiev vs. Whirlwind

Post by ScottieB »

No, I don't think I want to try a static setting of 5600. At that setting it is SO easy to over-rev your engine on take off.
I'm not comfortable with that. Even when the static setting is 5400 the RPM's will climb VERY quickly when I level off
so I have to keep the nose high and my hand on the throttle.
Jack L
Veteran Member
Posts: 112
Joined: Sun Apr 27, 2014 12:10 pm

Re: Kiev vs. Whirlwind

Post by Jack L »

Scottie,

I am no expert on the subject of propeller propulsion either but I do try to understand it and try to learn all I can about it. Normally I wouldn't pay attention to someones posted IAS figures because they only mean something on your aircraft because our systems are not calibrated and are not identical. When I trained with the Brass Town Boys their aircraft IAS was out by 10 MPH so on our first flight Vic and I established what speed his aircraft stalled at. From there we figured out what our approach speeds and other "V" speeds would be. Once we had those down the IAS numbers meant everything on that aircraft only.

Your tests mean everything because you used the same test bed and scale to make the comparison with two different propellers. On the first and last test the temperature and barometric pressure are so close to each other that the figures are probably as good as you can get. Clearly your results indicate that the Whirlwind is producing better AS results than the Kiev is. Throughout our discussions it appears as if our IAS speeds are close so once I try the Kiev I will let you know what I get. Thanks for the comparison, these tests take a lot of time but they mean a lot to those contemplating what propeller to buy.

My Kiev is in the US and I will be picking it up at Sun and Fun, I should of waited to buy yours at a discounted price:(

See you in a couple of weeks, I need to warm up.
G0110622.JPG
Jack
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User GDS
Veteran Member
Posts: 304
Joined: Sun Jul 01, 2012 11:59 am
Location: Big Bear Airport

Re: Kiev vs. Whirlwind

Post by User GDS »

Your tests mean everything because you used the same test bed and scale to make the comparison with two different propellers.
Yep!
No, I don't think I want to try a static setting of 5600. At that setting it is SO easy to over-rev your engine on take off.
I'm not comfortable with that. Even when the static setting is 5400 the RPM's will climb VERY quickly when I level off
so I have to keep the nose high and my hand on the throttle.
That's how I set the static on my RV12, around 5300, it was optimized for cruise and I didn't throttle-jockey so much like with the Highlander. Definitely go with what is comfortable, sounds like you're setting it up for best overall performance.

My Highlander is set with static at 5600 (field elevation 6750'). It doesn't redline on take off, but at full throttle cruise, if I pitch forward I hit redline in seconds. It's optimized for climb and I'm used to controlling over-rev with the throttle. With the altitude and heat, I need the extra HP from those extra revs.

Thanks again for the objective tests, I ordered a Prince Prop based on John Levy's recent post and will provide some data after I install it.
GDS
So Cal
Highlander #232
Rotax 912ULS, Dynon Skyview
av8rps
Veteran Member
Posts: 480
Joined: Thu May 12, 2011 5:01 pm

Re: Kiev vs. Whirlwind

Post by av8rps »

Scottie,

If your IAS numbers are even close to accurate, I am impressed with those Whirlwinds prop numbers.

Normally to get a decent cruise you need a shorter prop. But with three 75 inch blades swinging around and you are still getting a nice cruise, that is an impressive prop imho.

BTW - it is great you guys are sharing your prop testing results. I know that can be a pain, but it is invaluable info to those that haven't ordered a prop yet.

Paul S
ScottieB
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Posts: 47
Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2010 8:07 pm

Re: Kiev vs. Whirlwind

Post by ScottieB »

Yes, it does take a lot of time to gather this information. I had to loosen all the bolts, adjust the pitch, and re-torque everything 5 times before I finally got the static RPM's right where I wanted them but like you said - this information is really worthwhile. I am hoping that others will try to gather such information about other props and share with us. They're just too expensive for all of us to buy every different brand in search of the one that fills our individual needs. By the way, I do suspect that my ASI is indicating about 2-3 MPH faster than true, but like Jack says, if the comparisons are done on the same test bed then the results are still meaningful.
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barry767
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Joined: Fri Jul 29, 2011 10:06 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Re: Kiev vs. Whirlwind

Post by barry767 »

Scottie, Was there any appreciable difference in the feel or smoothness of the two props? Barry
ScottieB
Forum Regular
Posts: 47
Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2010 8:07 pm

Re: Kiev vs. Whirlwind

Post by ScottieB »

In my experience, the Kiev and the Whirlwind props are very similar with regard to smoothness. Both of mine have had minor vibrations - mostly when reducing the throttle and thereby unloading the prop somewhat. I have to say though that I can't blame it on the prop design because I have had neither of them tested for balance. I know that is something everyone should do but I don't have access to the proper equipment for balancing.

I also have to wonder if those vibrations may be caused by my exhaust system. It's an older version which is not as quiet as the newer ones we have now.
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