ATEC FAETA 321

The FAETA NG is the low wing composite/carbon challenger of the ultralight, with a very wide range of use, from the economic training in the basic version, to the perfect travel aircraft with autopilot. It is also a perfect mountain airplane.

DURANDAL-3
Hi E-Props Team,

I wanted to make a small report of my tests of the E-Props Durandal 100, V12, 170 CM on my ATEC FAETA.

Here is a small comparison between my old FITI 2 Blade ground adjustable propeller and the new E-Props 3 Blade Durandal ground adjustable:
First to start, the E-Props propeller setup as instructed was perfect: 28 degree pitch give 5200 Rotax RPM at full throttle stop, 5500 RPM at full throttle maximum speed in horizontal flight.
The Fiti was set up similarly with a maximum speed in horizontal flight of 5600 RPM.
Takeoff with one person on board: I estimate 70 to 80 m of taxiing with the E-Props vs. 100 to 110 m with the Fiti.
Takeoff with two people on board: I estimate 100 m of taxiing with the E-Props vs. 130 to 140 m with the Fiti.
Significantly less engine torque at takeoff. The Fiti was pulling so much to the left that I had trouble keeping the machine in line with the runway: this torque is totally manageable with the E-Props propeller, a slight correction to the right is enough.

When climbing alone I gained at least 1 m/s with the E-Props, especially in fast climb: at 160 km/h, I got a climb rate of 6 m/s with the E-Props, at 120 km/h 7.5 m/s!
Same for the climb with two people on board: a gain of about 1 m/s compared to the Fiti.
In cruise the performance gain is really amazing:
With the same intake pressure and the same engine speed, we gain almost 30 km/h with the E-Props propeller!
Speeds are ground speeds measured as an average in two directions and at 4000 feet altitude:

FITI:
4500 RPM - 160 km/h
4700 RPM - 170 km/h
5000 RPM - 190 km/h
5200 RPM - 205 km/h
5600 RPM - 235 km/h

E-Props:
4500 RPM - 190 km/h
4700 RPM - 200 km/h
4900 RPM - 210 km/h
5000 RPM - 215 km/h
5200 RPM - 225 km/h
5500 RPM - 236 km/h

So what is surprising is that the maximum speed does not change much, but I attribute this to the aerodynamics of the Faeta, which flies too much in a nose-down attitude at high speeds above 230 km/h.
Finally, the engine's comfort with the E-Props propeller is much better, with no vibration on the whole rpm range from 1800 to 5500 RPM.
Another interesting aspect: the cooling of the cylinders and the oil in continuous rise at 120 km/h was limited with the FITI propeller. With the E-Props the temperatures are 5 to 10 degrees lower.

I can confirm that there is no doubt that the performance of the three-blade E-Props propeller is superior to the performance of the two-blade Fiti propeller, which was designed specifically for the ATEC Faeta. To summarize E-Props vs. Fiti:

Shorter takeoff
Lower engine torque
Faster climb
Much higher speeds
Reduced vibrations
Better engine cooling

With kind regards,
Martin G. - France
(2021-11-15)

DURANDAL-3
On my Faeta, I had an Fiti propeller that vibrated a lot. I tried an E-Prop and I'm very happy.
I don't have any vibration anymore, and I gained more than 10 kt in cruising.
This E-Prop is also very responsive.
I'm going to tell all my friends about it. Thank you for your good work.
A.F. (2020-03-22)

DURANDAL-3
The new e-prop propeller I've fitted is fabulous! Takeoff as short as with the FITI, it goes up to the trees, cruising speed: increased by at least 20 km/h! I couldn't believe my eyes: I went from 190 to 210 km/h at 5000 rpm. You can physically feel that the propeller is super light: no vibrations, reacts very quickly to rpm changes, and no "clank" at engine stop. A killer, absolutely to be recommended!
M.R. (2020-02-20)

DURANDAL-3
Your three-blade propeller is perfect for my FAETA. I used to have a very heavy 3-blade FITI. I gained weight and responsiveness. The contact with the company E-props is pleasant and professional. I am very satisfied.
J-F.G. (2019-07-09)

DURANDAL-3
3-blade Eprops on Faeta, it's a win-win. What takeoff and climb performance, with a great cruising speed. For me it's the best.
H.G. (2018-02-07)

DURANDAL-3
A very good propeller, we appreciate it for its smoothness and for the performances. Also so light !
Good job guys.
V.L. (2015-07-24)