Having recently read and enjoyed Mike Stewart's RV Super 8 website, I thought it might be interesting to solicit some engineering opinions on this mod.
My intent is not to start a flame war; I think the idea of a Super 8 is awesome, especially when coupled with a Showplanes fastback. But as Mike mentions in his FAQ, clearly Van is totally opposed to the idea of strapping an IO-540 on his RV-8 design, as it can easily take you outside of the airframe's tested V-n envelope.
So my questions are as follows:
Thanks in advance for any input, and my apologies if this material has already been covered elsewhere!
My intent is not to start a flame war; I think the idea of a Super 8 is awesome, especially when coupled with a Showplanes fastback. But as Mike mentions in his FAQ, clearly Van is totally opposed to the idea of strapping an IO-540 on his RV-8 design, as it can easily take you outside of the airframe's tested V-n envelope.
So my questions are as follows:
1. How common are these Super 8's?
2. What changes to aircraft stability and control or handling qualities have Super 8 pilots noticed as a result of the big engine?
3. If you were in Van's shoes, and wanted to redesign the RV-8 to safely accommodate an IO-540, what specific structural changes would you make, especially with regard to high-speed maneuvering, vibration, or flutter?
2. What changes to aircraft stability and control or handling qualities have Super 8 pilots noticed as a result of the big engine?
3. If you were in Van's shoes, and wanted to redesign the RV-8 to safely accommodate an IO-540, what specific structural changes would you make, especially with regard to high-speed maneuvering, vibration, or flutter?
Thanks in advance for any input, and my apologies if this material has already been covered elsewhere!
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