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Recreational Power Engineering

U.S. distributor for Hirth Engines

5479 E. Co. Rd. 38, Tiffin, Ohio 44883

Phone: 419-585-7002

Fax: 419-585-6004

Recreational Power Engineering E-mail: - RPE@BPSOM.COM

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Page Links:  28hp Inline 40hp Opposed 50hp 55hp/3202 55hp/2703 65hp 85hp and 110hp 15hp 3701-100Hp Info.

 Information on the new 3502 & 3503 2 cylinder water cooled engines. 3503 is presently available, 3502 scheduled to be available in April 2008.

3502-60hp Info.

3503-70hp Info.


What Makes Hirth Engines Different?

When initially looking at the Hirth Aircraft engine line, it may at first appear that Hirth engines are more expensive than equivalent engines from other sources. We would like you to consider the 1000hr rated TBO, one year warranty, superior reliability, and the lower RPM operating range. Over the long run you will find that Hirth engines can actually turn out to be the least expensive choice.

There is an old saying that goes like this. "Horsepower sells engines but torque moves the plane". A superior torque curve brought in at substantially lower RPMs is why the Hirths outperform other brands by a wide margin.

Most engines in the light aircraft market were designed for a specific use on the ground and then altered to be used in aircraft. Hirth engines are designed specifically for aircraft use. Hirth does not make snowmobile, water craft, or car engines and then try to modify them for aircraft applications. Hirth knows that in order for a 2 cycle engine to perform properly in aircraft use, peak power and peak torque have to be achieved at lower RPMs. The engine has to have a realistic TBO and not use complicated rotary valves. The use of Nikasil cylinders and Hyper-Eutectic Aluminum pistons make Hirth engines very seizure resistant. Our red line CHT is 535F, our redline EGT is 1256F. This gives Hirths good fuel efficiency and a very clean oil burn. The use of chrome moly steel crankshafts insure long life with little chance of failure. It costs more to build an engine when you use the best technology and materials available but in the long run you will find that Hirth is the better value.
 

Quality Design 2000 Engine Line

The two most FAQ's about Hirth engines are: how they are able to produce superior performance at lower RPMs than other two-cycle engines, and how the 1000 hr rated TBO is possible in a two-cycle. Hirth has redesigned the porting and the combustion chambers on their aircraft engine line to produce a higher peak hp and torque at lower RPMs. Please understand, this, not the peak hp and torque output possible overall, but rather the best output possible at a more usable RPM. Midrange throttle control and fuel use are also improved as a result. Porting and combustion chamber design are very important to "tuning" a two stroke engine for the application in which it will be used. This line of Hirth engines have been "tuned" for flight. So, now the RPMs are down, but the good engineering doesn't stop there. Hirth uses two substantial ball bearings on the drive(PTO) end of the crankshaft. High strength chrome moly steel crankshafts are used instead of the softer carbon steel cranks. All engines come standard with special hypereutectic alloy pistons and Nikasil cylinders.
 

Let's talk about cylinders

Most engines on the market today are built with steel sleeve cylinders. Although steel sleeves are less expensive than Nikasil, steel cannot dissipate heat as efficiently as aluminum and expands at a slower rate. As the heat in a steel sleeve cylinder engine increases the piston expands faster than the cylinder wall, steadily decreasing the piston clearance. To compensate for this, engines utilizing steel sleeve cylinders, must run lower CHT and EGT temperatures. Hirths' cylinders are of aluminum alloy; there are no sleeves. The cylinder walls have been treated with the patented Nikasil process. Nikasil coated cylinders have a hardened surface that cannot peel and is more wear resistant than steel sleeves. Because the cylinders are still an aluminum alloy, their expansion properties as well as their excellent thermal conductivity are virtually unchanged. This design allows heat to be dissipated quickly and efficiently. The piston is also made from an aluminum alloy. The piston alloy is slightly different and expands slightly less than the Nikasil cylinder. This combination of cylinder treatment and matched cylinder and piston materials creates an extremely seize resistant environment. This is also why Hirth engines can handle cylinder head temperatures of over 600 degrees F. without failure. Although the Nikasil process is very expensive, the resulting increase in the engines life span, performance, and reliability more than offsets the cost.

Philosophy

K.I.S.: Keep it simple is the rule at Hirth. If it isn't there, it can't break. Hirth does not use performance enhancers such as Dyke rings or rotary valves. These are all mechanical devices and if they fail you are coming down. They all require additional maintenance and add to your preflight list. If Hirth ever does offer such technologies it will be because the benefits far outweigh the costs.

Hirth has designed an entire line of aircraft engines from 15 to 110hp. All engines include the following as standard equipment: Carburetor(s), Air filter(s), Spark plugs, Starter relay, Regulator/Rectifier, Fuel Pump, Nikasil cylinders, Chrome moly steel crankshafts, Dual oversized bearings on PTO side, Hyper-Eutectic pistons, Complete exhaust system and Dual CDI ignition with electronic advance. (F36 15hp engine only available with single CDI

The Hirth heritage

Hirth was founded in 1917. They built 4 cycle aircraft engines for the German airforce until the end of World War II. After the war they were forced into the ground engine business and eventually developed a line of snowmobile engines in the 60s. Hirth built their last snowmobile engine in 1974. The company was taken over by the Gobler Co. and the decision was made to combine the aircraft technology with what was learned in the snowmobile industry to develop 2 cycle engines for use in aircraft. The result is a line of 2 cycle engines that are much more advanced than standard ground engines. In an aircraft this means stronger climb and cruise at lower RPMs. It means less noise, vibration, and fuel use. Less likely to seize a piston or break a crankshaft.

 


 

 

Quality Support

While the quality and design of the engine is of course important. After-sale support of the engine is of equal importance. Recreational Power Engineering has developed the most comprehensive support system in the industry. Engines are warranted for a full year plus a 3 year pro-rated crankshaft warranty. Warranty not only covers defective parts but also labor, free tech support, and prepaid return shipping of the engine. These are all unprecedented support features.

 

NOTE: Hirth engines are manufactured on a limited basis. There can be a 4 to 6 week lead-time on some models. It is best to get your order in well before your kit is complete to avoid waiting on your engine. 50% down is required to order.

!!!Prices subject to change without notice. Call or write for current pricing!!! .

 

 

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Hirth Aircraft Line

All Hirths have Al-Nikasil coated cylinders for superior performance and reliability. Al-Nikasil in simple terms is a nickel based material, applied in a paste form. When super heated it becomes part of the cylinder itself. Al-Nikasil provides for a super low coefficient of friction allowing Hirths not only to produce more hp than our nearest competitor but also to run with greater efficiency and reliability.
Hirths crankshafts are 4130 chrome moly steel. Heads, rings, block casting, connecting rods and associated components are all of the highest grade alloys available today.

F-33 2 cycle 28hp and F36 15hp.

The F33 and F36 engines are some of the lightest single cylinder engines you'll find anywhere.
More F-33 Info. More F-36 Info.

2702 2 cycle 40hp

The 2702 is our small high torque low RPM engine. Like it's big brother, the 3202 it's a low RPM powerhouse, at an incredible 5500 rpm this little engine is producing 40hp and it's pumping out 39ft/lbs of torque at only 4500 rpm. The Hirth 2702 is ideal for single seat ultralight aircraft.
More 2702 Info.

F-23 2 cycle 50hp

If you prefer an opposed cylinder engine, then this one's for you. F-23 puts out an amazing 50hp at only 6000 rpm and provides 42ft/lbs. of torque. All with a total weight of only 87 Ibs. This engine can handle any part 103 ultralight and most single seat experimentals. Now available with improved belt re-drive and exhaust system.
More F-23 Info.

3202 2 cycle 55hp

Hirth's High Torque low RPM engine. The 3202 produces 55hp at only 5500 rpm while building an impressive torque of 52ft/lbs. at only 4500 rpm. This low RPM operation equates to the smoothest and quietest running power plant you'll will find anywhere. Hirth 3202 the biggest little engine available.
More 3202 Info.

2703 2 cycle 55hp

The mainstay of mid size engines. 2703 is a product of of Hirth's first designs. 2703's have the highest operational time of any Hirth engine. This strong light weight performer will move you to new heights.
More 2703 Info.

3203 2 cycle 65hp

Hirth's most popular engine. The 3203 produces more Horsepower and Torque per pound then any other engine in it's class. The Hirth 3203 is the premiere powerplant for the heaviest of Ultralight trainers and light Experimentals today.
More 3203 Info.

F-30s 85/110hp

Flagship of the Hirth product line; the F-30s are available in two versions, the solid F-30 80hp and the awesome F-30/2c 110hp. The Hirth F-30s are the premiere power plants for the Experimental and Homebuilt industry.
More F-30 85hp Info.    More F-30ES 110hp Info.   

 3701 - 3 cylinder - 2 cycle water cooled 80/100hp

Hirth's latest design. 3701's have a very narrow profile allowing installation in small cowlings. Very low fuel consumption rivals similar Hp 4 cycle engines.
More 3701 Info.


 

We hope you like what you've seen

Thank you for visiting RPE's Hirth Web Pages. Let us know via e-mail, phone, fax, or snail-mail, which engine(s) interest you and we will be happy to send you detailed data sheets and 9"X 11" dimensional drawings free of charge. Full size prints are available for $10 each. If you have any questions feel free to contact us at your convenience.
Thanks for giving Hirth a look

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