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3/13/2018
Yeah, …. I know. Its been awhile since I posted anything. But, I did by an airplane last September. I’ve spent the last 5 months learning to land the thing. Still not greasing them on often enough. The darn thing really likes to bounce! But, I have been out in the garage. And, I’ll be updating the build log soon!

New (to me) Sonerai IIL
9/17/2016
I got to meet a larger than life hero of aviation today. Mr. R.A. “Bob” Hoover:

Reno was fun. But, I wish I could’ve stayed for the finals on Sunday!
The Aircraft:
The Airplane is an RV-8 kit plane designed by Van’s Aircraft, out of Aurora, OR. Van’s Aircraft, Inc. is (I believe) the largest and most popular of all the experimental amateur built (EAB) aircraft kit manufacturers. According to their web site (http://vansaircraft.com) they have approximately 9,500 aircraft kits completed and flying as of August, 2016.
The aircraft I’m building (the RV-8) is a single engine, 2 seat, low-wing aircraft. I plan on installing a 200hp Lycoming IO-360 engine with a constant speed propellor, and a basic IFR capable panel with ADAHARS and WAAS GPS. Specifications and performance data below are copied from Van’s
RV–8/8A Specifications
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RV – 8
|
Exterior Dimensions |
Span |
24 ft |
Length |
21 ft |
Height |
5 ft 7 in |
Wing Area |
116 sq ft |
|
Weights |
Empty Weight |
1067 – 1120 lbs |
Gross Weight |
1800 lbs |
|
Loadings |
Wing Loading |
15.5 lb/sq ft |
Power Loading |
12 – 9 lb/hp |
|
Powerplant/Systems |
Engine |
150-200 hp |
Propeller [in prototype] |
Fixed or C/S |
Fuel Capacity |
42 US gal |
|
Other |
Baggage |
125 lbs |
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RV–8/8A Performance
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RV – 8
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|
|
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Solo Weight 1400 lbs
Gross Weight 1800 lbs |
160 hp |
180 hp |
200 hp |
Empty weight and performance measured with Hartzell 2 Blade C/S prop
Speeds and ranges in statute mph (sm) |
|
Speed – Solo Weight |
Top Speed |
206 mph |
214 mph |
222 mph |
Cruise [75% @ 8000 ft] |
197 mph |
204 mph |
212 mph |
Cruise [55% @ 8000 ft] |
175 mph |
182 mph |
189 mph |
Stall Speed |
51 mph |
51 mph |
51 mph |
|
Speed – Gross Weight |
Top Speed |
205 mph |
213 mph |
221 mph |
Cruise [75% @ 8000 ft] |
195 mph |
203 mph |
210 mph |
Cruise [55% @ 8000 ft] |
173 mph |
180 mph |
187 mph |
Stall Speed |
58 mph |
58 mph |
58 mph |
|
Ground Performance – Solo Weight |
Takeoff Distance |
300 ft |
275 ft |
250 ft |
Landing Distance |
350 ft |
350 ft |
350 ft |
|
Ground Performance – Gross Weight |
Takeoff Distance |
650 ft |
575 ft |
500 ft |
Landing Distance |
500 ft |
500 ft |
500 ft |
|
Climb/Ceiling – Solo Weight |
Rate of Climb |
2,000 fpm |
2,300 fpm |
2,700 fpm |
Ceiling |
21,000 ft |
23,000 ft |
25,500 ft |
|
Climb/Ceiling – Gross Weight |
Rate of Climb |
1,400 fpm |
1,650 fpm |
1,900 fpm |
Ceiling |
18,500 ft |
20,500 ft |
22,500 ft |
|
Range |
Range [75% @ 8000 ft] |
855 sm |
790 sm |
780 sm |
Range [55% @ 8000 ft] |
1,030 sm |
955 sm |
940 sm |
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