Super-Sized Power for Your .60-Size Plane The FA-91 is one of the most popular selling engines in Saito's extensive line of four-strokes. The .91 fits perfectly into most airplanes designed for .60-size two-strokes offering the ability to swing larger diameter props with more thrust than the two-stroke. Many pilots simply prefer the powerful sound of a four-stroke. Now Saito™ is offering a new engine that offers even more power than the .91 but that's similar in size and weight.
Saito's new FA-100 will turn an APC 14 x 8 prop 300 to 700 rpm more than either the Saito .91 or O.S. .91. At only 19.2 ounces (less muffler), it weighs nearly 2 ounces less than the O.S as well! The Saito FA-100 is not just a punched out .91. It features a newly tooled case that shares the mounting dimensions of the O.S. 91. This allows it to be used with the many after-market engine mounts already available to fit this engine.
On the bench and in the air The Saito 100 idled and transitioned beautifully from the first start due to the included new Hangar 9™ Super Plug (HAN3011) that now comes with all Saito engines. This plug greatly improves idle and transition in all four-stroke engines. After a short slightly rich break-in, we peaked the needles at 3-5/8" out on the high-speed and a ¼ turn in from flush on the low-speed needle.
Our R&D staff bench-tested and test flew the Saito FA-100 and compared the weight and performance to the O.S. .91 using 15% and 30% fuel.
Performance
Propeller
15% Omega Fuel
30% Cool Power Heli Fuel
Saito 100
APC 13x9
9600 rpm
9900 rpm
O.S. .91
APC 13x9
9100 rpm
9200 rpm
Saito 100
APC 14x8
9300 rpm
9700 rpm
O.S. .91
APC 14x8
9000 rpm
9000 rpm
Weight
w/Muffler
w/o Muffler
Saito 100
20.8 oz
19.2 oz
O.S. 91
22.7 oz
21.1 oz
The two-needle, rear mounted carburetor gave exceptional idle and transition.
Notice that we achieved significant increases in performance (300 to 400 rpm) when using 30% Cool Power helicopter fuel in the Saito but saw minimal increases in the O.S. with the high nitro fuel. Our staff commonly uses 30% heli fuel in Saito engines, as it not only gives better top-end performance but it runs smoother, gives a better transition, and runs cooler.
In flight the FA-100 was one smooth operator. Transition and idle were clean and crisp with instantaneous response. No dead sticks occurred in the first six test flights, despite purposefully long high-altitude idles, followed by rapid full-throttle transitions. The 30% helicopter fuel gave a noticeable boost in power, plus the added oil in the fuel adds a nice trail of smoke.
If you're looking for a powerful lightweight four-stroke to power your latest .60 through .90-size project, you don't have to settle on a 91. Check out Saito's new FA-100.
