RV-9A Real World Numbers

KD4JAZ · #1 11-27-2019, 05:20 PM

If this has already been answered please direct me to the proper link!
I'm 6'4" 250 lbs...Can I fit in a -9a? Also, what are some real world numbers for a -9a at full gross with an IO-320 Hartzell CS for rate of climb and cruise at say 8000 msl? Van's numbers seem optimistic, but hope they are close. I plan on doing some long X/C with the airplane. Haven't made the plunge yet, but hope to within the near future. I'm new to the website and have searched quite a bit to find my answers.

Marc

rightrudder · #2 11-27-2019, 07:22 PM

Hi Mark,

A search will pull up lots of threads about this.

But it turns out my co-pilot to OSH in '17 was 6'4" and 250 lb. It was a little snug shoulder-to shoulder, but head room was not an issue. He's pretty average when it comes to torso/leg ratio, but if you have a taller torso, it could be a problem. I'm 6'3", 200 lb., and I can put a fist between my headset and the canopy.

Anti-Splat Aero makes what it calls the "Almost a -14" kit that allows a more reclined seating position to gain more head room, but I found that putting the seatback bottom on the middle hinge and tilting it all the way back to the stock crossbar was perfect for me.

I found Van's performance specs to be quite accurate. I've got a FP Catto prop and a 160-hp IO-320-D1A, and it cruises at about 155 KTAS at 2700 rpm, with a fuel burn of 7.5-8.0 gph, running LOP.

cajunwings · #3 11-27-2019, 08:47 PM

The fit question can only be answered by trying a couple planes on for size. Either the 7A or 9A will work for that. The variables are the seat and rudder pedal location, cushion thickness and your own personal upper/lower body geometry. You may be a great candidate for the ?Almost a 14 Seat Back Mod?.
I?m only familiar with the performance of 1 RV-9A, it a typical build and has the 160 hp IO320 and Hartzell CS prop. At 7-8000? 24x24 it will true close to 155kts. Gross weight climb rate is healthy. This week I saw about 1100 fpm with 400 lbs in the seats, almost full fuel, close to sea level & 70 deg F.

Don Broussard
RV9 Rebuild in Progress
57 Pacer

ty1295 · #4 11-27-2019, 10:58 PM

I have a 9a and am right at 6 4, 250. Rudder pedals are forward of plans, almost 14 mod but found it reclines too far for good sight picture to land. Shoulders slightly snug but not really an issue even with similar size passengers.

bruceh · #5 11-28-2019, 12:58 AM

Real world data for my RV-9A (160HP IO-320, Fixed pitch prop, not CS) from my trip this week to/from SoCal to AZ:

Altitude 9500'
TAS 147Kts
Fuel Flow 6.6 Gph (LOP cruise)
RPM 2470
Full Fuel, two passengers and baggage, we climb out on take off at 1000'/min and then with the autopilot on it likes to slow that climb to 500'/min.

I upload my flight data to Savvy Analysis, so here's a link if you want to poke around and look at other parameters.

I'm 6'2" and 190, and the cabin is comfortable for me with the seat all the way back and pedals all the way forward. If you need more width/height, then I would seriously consider the RV-14 with its extra cabin space.

kaweeka · #6 11-28-2019, 07:16 AM

Bruce's numbers are nearly exact to mine. It's a wonderful cruising machine.

KD4JAZ · #7 11-28-2019, 04:44 PM

Thanks for the quick replies guys...?..I live in the Orlando area so I'm going to try to make it to Lakeland for Sun n Fun this year and hopefully try to sit in several models if possible.

carlrai · #8 11-29-2019, 06:27 AM

I'm 6' even and an embarrassing 280#.
My numbers are essentially the same as Bruce however, when we get these nice little cold fronts I can get 2000'/min at 90kts in the cool dense air.
Great cruiser when at or above 8500'. If you aren't interested in acro the 9 (IMHO) is the best choice.

There's two of us in adjacent hangars at ZPH if you're interested in driving over for a look see.

SVTPete83 · #9 12-02-2019, 01:46 AM

I have an IO360 and a catto fixed pitch prop. I can climb out at 110 knots getting 7-800 fpm. If I push it hard I can get a whole lot more at 90 knots. Like 1300-1500 depending on the air. I usually cruise at 9500 feet, 155 knots on 7 gallons per hour lean of peak. Its really happy up high. I have achieved some epic numbers at 15-16k feet. It climbed up that high pretty easily as well. I am 5'11 230 and took my buddy up who is 6'4 270. Should to shoulder it was snug, but we had room for sure. I'm not into acro, the nine is an epic cross country machine!

KD4JAZ · #10 12-02-2019, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVTPete83

I have an IO360 and a catto fixed pitch prop. I can climb out at 110 knots getting 7-800 fpm. If I push it hard I can get a whole lot more at 90 knots. Like 1300-1500 depending on the air. I usually cruise at 9500 feet, 155 knots on 7 gallons per hour lean of peak. Its really happy up high. I have achieved some epic numbers at 15-16k feet. It climbed up that high pretty easily as well. I am 5'11 230 and took my buddy up who is 6'4 270. Should to shoulder it was snug, but we had room for sure. I'm not into acro, the nine is an epic cross country machine!

Pete,
Not sure it is a typo or what, but 800 fpm with an IO360 seems a bit anemic.

Marc