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Testing the Viking Engine

For Viking it is important for us to do the right testing. We do not need people, that we don't know, to tell us what to test, how to test or that we are irresponsible because we don't test the way they feel the engine should be tested. I know from experience, that there are several more tests to do, in addition to the gearbox. Those that are not familiar with these engines, but pretend to be, have no idea of the relationship of all the components that make this work. You could have the strongest gearbox made, then run the wrong propeller and have a failure. So, even the best overall analyses, could prove wrong. You could have a failure due to wrong ignition timing, fuel air ratio, engine damper arrangement, etc. We test everything and we generally test at the outer limits to see if things hold together / run at low temperatures, don't show signs of wear, etc. Anyone asking for test reports of one specific component, thinking that the result of this test will make the engine safe, ignore that it is the relationship of the entire system, that make the parts work together for a long time. This is also why, when a request for a specific test is brought up on a forum, from someone not even building the airplane in question, their agenda is to put doubt to those that don't know, to further highlight their mission of "car engines don't fly"

For a responsible customer to be safe flying the Viking (or any other engine), it should be installed, maintained and operated within the guidelines given. That is the single most important criteria.

Jan

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