How does the gph of a 118hp compare to a 160hp lycoming?
Now that is an interesting idea (especially since I am building a RV9-A with the Lycoming o235 L2C 118 hp engine with a Catto two bladed prop).
Extrapolating Van's numbers for the 118 hp engine (and checking the Lycoming Engine Manual) we get an
estimation that follows:
Full power 173 mph 4.53 flight hrs 7.5 gal/hr
(assuming 34 gal. usable..start/taxi/takeoff...)
75% power 166 mph 5.27 flight hrs 6.45 gal/hr
55% power 150 mph 6.90 flight hrs 4.92 gal/hr
I drive from Ozark, MO to Wichita, KS often. 257 miles 4 hours 15 minutes and get barely over 20 mpg with my Jeep Grand Cherokee for a total fuel consumption of 12.85 gal at $2.89 per gal equals $37.14
Lets use full power RV9-A (using AeroPlanner.com)
full power 229 sm 173 mph 1.32 flight hrs 11.9 gal used (2 gal. for start/taxi/takeoff/altitude @6000 ft.)
75% power 166 mph 1.38 flight hrs 10.9 gal used
55% power 150 mph 1.53 flight hrs 9.5 gal used
Assuming 100LL is $4 per gal........
Full power would cost $47.60
75% $43.60
55% $38.00
The 0235 118 hp engine isn't looking so bad after all. Of course, only true flight will tell us how close the extrapolated numbers really come but it is an interesting exercise with fuel prices rising. I can't wait to get this bird in the air.
Pat Garboden
Ozark, MO
RV9-A 942WG (reserved) 0235 L2C 118 hp
RV9-A 942 PT (reserved) 0320 E2A 150 hp