RV-6A Real World Numbers

[pilotmansam]

I am looking for some real world performance numbers for a 150hp RV-6 or 6A. I have the CAFE report for the 6, but that is an O-360 constant speed prop. I do not need such an exacting report (but if one exists that would be nice!). I simply wish to compare approximate real world numbers. I realize there are numerous factors here (prop, weight, etc) but I am just wanting to get a ballpark comparison. Any help?

[Sam Buchanan]

Why don't you post the numbers you are getting with your RV (and prop, rpm, and weight) and we can see if they fall into what is expected. Also, are all fairings installed cleanly on your RV?

[plehrke]

Do forum search and you should get quite a few hits.

[WingsOnWheels]

Van's performance numbers are pretty real-world. You can expect to be within a few knots.

https://www.vansaircraft.com/rv-6/#aircraft-details-2

I am about 1.5 knots slower than Vans numbers, which irks me to no end...haha

[blaplante]

Van's book speeds for the 6A
https://www.vansaircraft.com/rv-6/#aircraft-details-2

Quotes 150HP as 185 mph at 75% cruise speed.
From my experience, the 160 HP number is accurate... BUT only if you have the right prop, and no rigging issues, and no excess cooling air bypassing the baffles, the later style wheelpants, etc. I've worked on my plane for 4+ years after the build tweaking things and now I do get the book speed. Also you aren't going to get the book speed on a fixed pitch prop if you aren't willing to see rpm above 2500.

Also those numbers are a lot more achievable if solo, and the plane isn't weighed down with a lot of 'extras'.

[koupster]

I fly an RV-6A with an O-360 with a constant speed prop, but standby.
We see 155 KTAS at around 60% power and 10,000 MSL.
That's 108 hp. If I exchanged the O-360 for A 150 hp O-320 and ran it at 72%, that would yield 108 hp and approximately the same speed.

As Philip said, "Do forum search and you should get quite a few hits."

[Robert Sailor]

Can’t help you with 150hp numbers but at full gross including 100lbs of baggage we get around 165 knots true between 9500-12,500 ft. Full power and 2400rpm leaned to 7.2-7.5 gph …….lean of peak around 6.5gph we get around 157 knots
Flying around 3500-4500 ft we get closer to 150-155 knots leaned to 8+gph.

It’s an IO-320 with constant speed on a 6A with an empty weight of just over 1100 lbs.

[pjc]

Originally Posted by blaplante

Van's book speeds for the 6A
https://www.vansaircraft.com/rv-6/#aircraft-details-2

Quotes 150HP as 185 mph at 75% cruise speed.
From my experience, the 160 HP number is accurate... BUT only if you have the right prop, and no rigging issues, and no excess cooling air bypassing the baffles, the later style wheelpants, etc. I've worked on my plane for 4+ years after the build tweaking things and now I do get the book speed. Also you aren't going to get the book speed on a fixed pitch prop if you aren't willing to see rpm above 2500.

Also those numbers are a lot more achievable if solo, and the plane isn't weighed down with a lot of 'extras'.

I have a 6 with 150hp and a fixed pitch wood (Sterba) prop. With all fairings on, solo, with full fuel I regularly see somewhat less than the Van's number (155kts IAS, corroborated with GPS GS) in smooth air WOT at 8000 ft which is probably about 75% power. Never did the detailed power calculation, or carefully flew multi-leg test flights to evaluate TAS more accurately, so the error bars on my speed are probably +/- 5 kts.

[dbier99]

Originally Posted by koupster

I fly an RV-6A with an O-360 with a constant speed prop, but standby.
We see 155 KTAS at around 60% power and 10,000 MSL."

My son and I just bought an RV6A with 180HP 0-360 and Hartzell CS prop. He is using it to build tach time for a planned professional career and would love to figure out if there is a prop/Manifold Pressure setting other than 24 squared that minimizes fuel burn without pushing cylinder head temps out of the desired range of 320-400F. Speed is not important on the days he's simply flying local to build time.

Unfortunately, our plane doesn't have a fuel flow meter (which someday I'd love to add if it's feasible). Would love any insights you or anyone else here may have regarding best economy power settings.

[koupster]

Building time? Fly max endurance speed.
Max range speed should be around 92 knots.
Watch oil temps at these lower speeds.
Need to get somewhere a little faster? Try Carson speed - 121 knots
Lean to max EGT (Lycoming recommendation for O-360)
Try 1900 rpm, if that's rough, try 2300 rpm - staying out of the Hartzell no-no range.
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/re...afe-foundation