Legal Eagle Flying Adventures

These take offs are various times of the year. All take offs are at max gross weight.

This is set for 0.50 pounds per hour per horsepower and will vary, depending on carb., exhaust, and efficiency of engine.

This engine performs good and could have great future on the Legal Eagle except for it’s firewall forward weight. It performs on the same level a 42/45 hp 1/2VW and the Verner 3V except for weight. We were seeing 450 to 480 fpm on climb out and time from brake release to breaking ground was in line with the other engines mentioned. It was smooth at 3,600 engine rpm, 2,000 prop rpm and remained smooth except in the 1,400 to 1,600 rpm range of the engine. I have the same mufflers on exhaust pipes as on the BSV23 so noise is not an issue. All temperatures were within range and oil pressure was good. I will have more comments and information as time permits. This engine is stock, including carb. Governor has been removed and throttle linkage is direct to carb. The Warp drive ground adjustable prop is set for 3,600 max. engine rpm, static and on climb out that is what we were seeing, at WOT straight and level it would exceed this by about 50 rpm.

This is video showing first flights down runway with Legal Eagle XL ORV and the Briggs and Stratton Vanguard 35 with Ace Aviation Re-drive, 1.8 to 1, with Warp Drive Ground adjustable prop. Prop is set to where engine turns 3,600 rpm, prop 2,000 rpm. Engine is completely stock, event the Carb. Took the Governor arm off and throttle linkage goes directly to carb. Standard ignition, which is neat because once engine is started no electrical is required. The Stock Flywheel is 20 pounds and we have not found an aftermarket aluminum flywheel yet. Test flights were flown without the 8 pound weight in tail to offset engine weight but before first actual flight we will be adding the 8 pounds in tail. Compared to the BSV23 this engine is heavy and with the 8 pounds in tail it will be even heavier. Acceleration was good and engine operated smoothly. There is some shaking from 1400 to 1600 rpm but at flying speeds engine seems to be smooth. Prop balance has been checked.

For more information or to order plans for the Better Half VW or the Briggs and Stratton Vanguard 23 check legaleagleairplane.com or Leonard Milholland’s Youtube channel.