tings showing the ring is bedding in well and the engine can now hold maximum RPM for sustained periods. I tested four different size propellers from
various manufactures and before I get to the figures
I should point out that the engine is a six bolt pattern
that has the same pitch spacing as a DA-85, quite
handy for those with a DA prop jig and already
drilled props of that size and the like.
The manual says recommended prop sizes are
25 x 10, 26 x 9 and 27 x 8. Props that Austars
Model supplied me for testing were a Biela carbon
25 x 10, Navigator wood 26 x 10 and 27 x 10 and
Austars Model wood 26 x 8. I also tested my own
Mejzlik carbon 27 x 10TH. All testing carried out
was at a temperature of 35 degrees Celsius and
atmospheric pressure of 1007mPa. It is also worth
noting that Alice Springs is 2000ft above sea level
so we typically loose between 10-20% engine
power than those at sea level elevations and
cooler temperatures.
until the engine pops, choke off, throttle at idle and
a flip or two later the engine was running. Hot
starts were also very easy with the engine starting
in about three flips without choke.
As per all of my reviews I try to sum up with
“Would I buy this myself?” and the answer is “absolutely”. Initially when I heard DLE were releasing
an 85cc engine I thought they’d missed the boat a
bit as these days most aerobatic airframes are either for 55cc or 100cc engines. Where I can see a
real market for this engine is the scale scene. So
many large models both scratch built and ARF
would benefit from this engine. The ability to swing
a larger more scale looking prop combined with the
reliability this engine has so far shown that it will
prove to be a real winner. Many of Austars large
ARF warbirds will be right at home with one of
these new DLE-85’s so give them a look for your
next project. This engine joins my four other oper-
ating DLE’s, so I have every confidence in DLE as
a reputable engine manufacturer.
The engine retails for $579 and I’d like
to thank Steve at Austars Model for the
opportunity to review DLE’s latest offering.
Prop Testing RPM Figures:
Biela Carbon
ASM Wood
Navigator Wood
Mejzlik Carbon
Navigator Wood
25 x 10
26 x 8
26 x 10
27 x 10TH
27 x 10
6600 rpm
7200 rpm
6700 rpm
6100 rpm
4700 rpm
It’s interesting to note that the Biela, whilst
being the smallest prop tested, had less RPM than
the Navigator 26 x 10. It shows how the wider
blades of the Biela load the engine up a little more
than different brands of props, something which
I’ve noted in using Biela’s in the past. They are a
well-made carbon propel