Is turbo an option in the RV10?

[BrianP]

Still waiting for the first part of my kit to arrive. I haven’t seen an RV10 anywhere with a turbocharger. Is that even possible?

[woxofswa]

The ones built commercially in Brazil had an option for turbocharging.

[BobTurner]

As you know, or should know, Vans strongly discourages turbo charging. Down low, there’s little gain. Up high, a turbo might inadvertently exceed Vne, which Vans specifies as a true airspeed.

[Plummit]

Have you decided what Primer you're going to use?

-Marc

[MJarreau]

Originally Posted by Plummit

Have you decided what Primer you're going to use?

-Marc

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[BrianP]

Originally Posted by BobTurner

As you know, or should know, Vans strongly discourages turbo charging. Down low, there’s little gain. Up high, a turbo might inadvertently exceed Vne, which Vans specifies as a true airspeed.

Is this because of flutter? Do you know if flutter is known to be a significant issue in the RV10 or has it just never been tested?

[Desert Rat]

Originally Posted by BrianP

Is this because of flutter? Do you know if flutter is known to be a significant issue in the RV10 or has it just never been tested?

This subject gets beaten to death about every 6 months. Here' what Vans has to say about it.

https://www.vansaircraft.com/wp-cont...1/hp_limts.pdf

[rv6ejguy]

Originally Posted by BrianP

Is this because of flutter? Do you know if flutter is known to be a significant issue in the RV10 or has it just never been tested?

If you get flutter, it will be a significant issue. The pieces take a long time to reach the ground from 18,000 feet...

It can be done but you need to be fully aware of the TAS limitations at altitude that turbocharging brings. It's not the best idea to be sifting along at 190-200 knots up there and hit any sort of turbulence or inadvertently lower the nose a bit without reducing MAP.

The cost, complexity, weight, extra maintenance and potential cooling issues are probably not worth it on a -10. A good atmo 540 with slightly higher CR and ported heads will produce over 290hp and drive you along at 170-175 knots. The performance is quite adequate up to 17,500 without a turbo.

[RV10Ronnie]

I've read through the article reposted by Desert Rat and it makes a compelling case. Bottom line is that TAS limits can't be violated.

However, speed is not the only reason for a turbo. My mission profile will involve flights in the Pacific NW westward over the Cascades and eastbound over the Rockies. Destinations include high plains locales like Laramie, Cheyenne, & Fort Collins as well as stops to the west (like the mother ship - KUAO).

In the winter, it would be great to have the option to climb out of inadvertant ice instead of just descending. Not looking for FIKI - just insurance.

Also, density altitudes are getting higher these summers...particularly in the high plains.

For me, the takeaway is...if you turbo, be careful up high - fly smart and consider TAS and flutter when you set your power. Just the same as you would be in a turbocharged 182 or Bonanza, right?

Thoughts? I'm not an aero engineer, so I could be missing something...(be bold but humble).

[rocketman1988]

Originally Posted by RV10Ronnie

I've read through the article reposted by Desert Rat and it makes a compelling case. Bottom line is that TAS limits can't be violated.

However, speed is not the only reason for a turbo. My mission profile will involve flights in the Pacific NW westward over the Cascades and eastbound over the Rockies. Destinations include high plains locales like Laramie, Cheyenne, & Fort Collins as well as stops to the west (like the mother ship - KUAO).

In the winter, it would be great to have the option to climb out of inadvertant ice instead of just descending. Not looking for FIKI - just insurance.

Also, density altitudes are getting higher these summers...particularly in the high plains.

For me, the takeaway is...if you turbo, be careful up high - fly smart and consider TAS and flutter when you set your power. Just the same as you would be in a turbocharged 182 or Bonanza, right?

Thoughts? I'm not an aero engineer, so I could be missing something...(be bold but humble).

I think you will likely find the performance of the -10 even without a turbo is very good.

Not really worth the added weight, complexity, etc., in my opinion...and flutter is bad.