This is just one more example of what sets FHS apart from other engine builders. Our In-House designed testing device is the state of the art in testing true engine, gearbox and propeller performance. This is not trailer testing an airboat hooked to a truck recording inconsistent max readings. Where trailer testing may have been good on one particular day on one particular trailer with one airboat may be better than nothing for getting some idea of peak thrust comparisons. It’s far from being able to tell you true thrust due to compounded forces and no accounting for angularity. And in no way can it plot thrust CURVE like our machine can.

   The first machine was designed by us, for an overseas aeronautical research corporation to get answers no one in the industry could provide. The machine met all their criteria and is still in use by them. So hopefully that helps answer some questions about the validity of the data this machine provides. This machine measures accurate readings within 1% back to back, and logs the thrust curve in fractions of a second throughout the entire RPM range of the engine and propeller.

   We can overlay thrust to HP to see true propulsion in relation to each engine we build, as well as see characteristics of each propeller design and how it affects load to the engine and allows us to make much more accurate propeller, engine power curve, and gearbox choices to suit our customer’s needs. Not make a educated guess about what components to use, and just band-aid a bad combination with improper pitch adjustment.

   Not only has this machine been very instrumental in improving our engines for airboat/propeller use, it also has helped us to be able to offer our customers a complete package of engine, gearbox and prop, and have it right the first time!