RV-7A Speed Information

[Doug]

I have a 160hp O-320 RV-6 and had the opportunity today with some smooth air at 8500', baro was 1030hpa hiving a pressure height of approx 8000'. OAT 5 deg C.
Full throttle, 2591 rpm 21.5" mp (Sensenich prop) leaned to max power (76%) gave a TAS of 170kts (196mph) at 39 litres per hour (approx 10 gph). (4.4 nm/litre) Vans figure for 75% 160hp 8000'da is 190/191mph for the RV6 and 191/192mph for the RV7.

Note that the TAS is computed from airspeed ie not 3xGPS runs so should be used as a guide only.

Usual cruise is at 60% 2350rpm 19.5" leaned to approx 25 lph giving a TAS of 150 kts (6 nm/litre).

My RV-6 is standard - wheel pants are very low (too low really - I cannot use most grass strips) and the gear leg fairings have a low drag section so I think the performance variation from Vans book figures are more likely my measurement errors rather than any real performance advantage.

[Smilin' Jack]

If those figures a re correct there is not much difference between an RV9 with an
O320 and an RV7 with a IO360 according to Vans numbers

On my IO360 up at 8000 running 75% I am constantly running 175 to 180KTS true but generally run at 65 % 165 KTs TAS.
Jack