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LN-PLO - Norway
Photo: © Jan H. Vold
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C-FILM
Robinson Special
Horizon
X2
Amphibian
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Robinson Seabee
News!
Brian Robinson, of Eric B. Robinson
Limited, makers of the Robinson V8 Seabee conversions, sent a most
interesting update on his V8 Seabee, C-FILM (#881), and their new
Horizon X2 amphibian!
| We flew the original installation 2,098
hours in the period from 4 July 2000 to 23 Dec 2011. During
that time the aircraft performed far above my expectations.
The engine and PSRU was performing well when it was removed.
We removed it because my system was becoming dated. My
aircraft was the first V 8 conversion done. It was running an
LS 1 with a manual throttle standard Seabee Hartzell 3 blade
propeller and our 1.68:1 reduction ratio. Most of my customers
use the 1.98:1 ratio with an electric throttle.
The Bee had a conventional (dated) panel
and was in need of some upgrading. We refurbished ILM with
many improvements including a new LS 3 sporting a modified
Edelbrock supercharger, a new design single leaver control
system that combines throttle, pitch, reverse &
supercharger control functions in one unit, and a new design
data link that allows the engine data to be sent directly from
the engine control unit to the new MGL IEFIS based panel. The
data link avoids the hassle of wiring in engine sensors and
has the benefit of letting the pilot monitor the actual GM
engine sensors that control the engine.
We were back in the air 14 Jan 2014 and
now have 99 hours on the new installation. I am really happy
with the performance of the new engine and associated
systems.
I am sure ILM is one of most highly modified Seabee ever
flown. The list of modifications are as follows: (Ed: too
long to list here, see C-FILM )
I have not documented any performance
numbers. For them to mean anything I would have to calibrate
all the instruments & standardize the data. Sufficient to
say I have flown ILM in side by side comparisons with many
Seabees, and none of them have come close to matching the
performance. The LS 3 is a noticeable improvement over the LS
1. I have only had the new engine to 10,000’ but I was able
to still pull 30” HG. Someday I will borrow an oxygen system
and explore the higher elevations.
These days my focus has shifted from the Seabee to trying to
raise capital to build the prototype of our new Horizon X2 -
the first amphibian you can land on the water with the wheels
down without hurting yourself!
Visit our website www.V8Seabee.com
and check out the Conversion Kits/Current status and Horizon
X2 tabs for more pictures and information.
Regards
Brian (Robinson)
E-mail dated November 21, 2014 |
We really look forward to following the development
of the Horizon X2 - the next generation Seabee!
2014-11-23
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John
Cuny - N6230K
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N6230K - EAA Grand
Champion!
Of course we are not surprised - but
still this is great news! - John Cuny and his freshly restored
Seabee N6230K (#433), won the "Grand Champion Seaplane -
Gold Lindy" award at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014!
Congratulations, John! So well deserved!
| I know so many of you supported my effort for so
long I wanted to include you. The Seabee won the Golden Lindy for
Grand Champion Seaplanes Oshkosh 2014. Thanks again for all your
support over these long and trying years!
John |
2014-08-08
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LN-PLO
N6230K
N6108K
CF-GAD
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News - Summer 2014
The only
Seabee in Norway, LN-PLO (#813),
has been modified with extended wingtips during the
winter. Owner Per Otto Leth-Olsen even added more color to his
Seabee by painting some nice stripes on the fuselage and engine
cowling. (Photo: Erlend Karlsen)
John Cuny, who has been restoring
#433
(N6230K) for several years, reported in June:
Steinar, she has flown!
This is a picture of me on second flight day. We got her up on the
first day for just a short check flight. We did four laps around the
airport and the flight went well. Waited a few days and had second
flight. A little more time in the air this time. Flew to get fuel and
did some water work. Retracted the wheels and performed three water
landing at lakes around Brian's home field. Then checked in with
friends flying over there home fields and letting them know that the
Seabee was back in the air. Now we have a little work taking care of
some minor maintenance items. All in all I'm very pleased with the
performance and the way she handled. Nice to have her back in the air
after almost 15 years of reconditioning.
Sincerely John Cuny |
On 23 July, N6108K (# 291)
was severely damaged when storm winds of 70 mph hit Deer Park Airport,
Washington, USA. One hangar was destroyed, and N6108K parked
outside on the grass was turned upside down. The damage looks
bad, but hopefully it will be possible to rebuild #291..
In Canada, Dr. Henry Chapeskie, was
forced to make an emergency landing in Saskatchewan with his V8 Seabee
CF-GAD (# 965) around 11:50
a.m. CST on 25 July, when the engine quit during a flight from home in
Ontario to Yellowknife, NWT. The forced landing was made in the
bush, when he was not able to reach the nearby Wollaston Lake.
The two men were quickly assisted by the crew (Barry Howe and Ian
Gainer) of a local seaplane hearing their MAYDAY call. Henry suffered
back injuries, but the passenger was uninjured. Henry was flown from
the crash scene to hospital in Saskatoon by a Griffon SAR
helicopter. We wish Henry a quick recovery from his
injuries. Henry suspected the cause of engine failure to be a
failing alternator belt.
2014-07-31
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