Van's Air Force
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- Thread starter Chipper G
- Start date
RV8JD
Well Known Member
Van's published RV-8 performance:
RV Aerobatics:
From the RV-8/8A Construction Manual:
An article by Van himself, "An Aerobatic Epistle":
Another article by Van himself on competition aerobatics, "IAC Aerobatics in RVs". It includes a good addendum on preparing your RV for aerobatics by Ron Schreck:
An article by Budd Davisson:
And note the "Aerobatics" section on Van's website:
RV Aerobatics:
From the RV-8/8A Construction Manual:
"Aerobatic Entry Speeds: Refer to the section on maneuvering speed when contemplating aerobatics. Remember
that the maneuvering speed is defined as the highest speed at which full and abrupt controls can be applied without
exceeding the design strength of the airplane. This does not mean that it is the highest permissible aerobatic entry
speed. It just means that for any speed above the maneuvering speed, control inputs must be limited to less than full—and less than that needed to produce 6 Gs. Because of the wide speed range (top speed/stall speed) of the RVs, entry speeds for some maneuvers can also vary over a considerable range. For vertical maneuvers like loops, Immelman turns, and horizontal eights, the entry speeds have an inverse relationship to the Gs required to complete the maneuver. An entry speed near the low end of the speed range will require a higher G pull-up than for an entry speed near the top of the speed range. The entry speeds listed below are presented as general guidelines, as starting points for aerobatic testing. Differing airframe weights, engines, propellers, and pilot preferences will determine the ideal entry speeds. "
Please note that the recommended entry speeds for snap rolls are relatively low. One definition of a snap roll is that it is an accelerated stall with heavy yaw input. Because the RVs have good stall characteristics and good spin resistance, they also resist easy snap roll entry. Entered at speeds below 100 mph, snaps tend to be slow and wallowing. At above 100 mph, high G loads are required. For this reason, most RV pilots avoid snap rolls and concentrate on looping and rolling maneuvers more suited to the performance and handling qualities of these planes."
Some articles on RV aerobatics:- Loops, Horizontal Eights: 140-190 mph.
- Immelman Turns: 150-190 mph
- Aileron Rolls, Barrel rolls: 120-190 mph
- Snap Rolls: 80-110 mph
- Vertical Rolls: 180-190 mph
- Split-S: 100-110 mph
Please note that the recommended entry speeds for snap rolls are relatively low. One definition of a snap roll is that it is an accelerated stall with heavy yaw input. Because the RVs have good stall characteristics and good spin resistance, they also resist easy snap roll entry. Entered at speeds below 100 mph, snaps tend to be slow and wallowing. At above 100 mph, high G loads are required. For this reason, most RV pilots avoid snap rolls and concentrate on looping and rolling maneuvers more suited to the performance and handling qualities of these planes."
An article by Van himself, "An Aerobatic Epistle":
Another article by Van himself on competition aerobatics, "IAC Aerobatics in RVs". It includes a good addendum on preparing your RV for aerobatics by Ron Schreck:
An article by Budd Davisson:
And note the "Aerobatics" section on Van's website:
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