RV-6 or RV-7 or RV-9?

[mtbowhunter]

Hi:

I am new to this forum. I am currently flying a Citabria 7GCBC and am seriously thinking about buying a completed RV. I have settled on the side by side seating, but I am having a hard time distinguishing between the pros and cons of the RV6 design versus the RV7 or the RV9 designs. Can someone here help enlighten me or point me to some reading material regarding the benefits of one design versus the others? Thanks for any help.

Joe.

[Mel]

If you are not interested in acro, then the -9 is probably best. Speeds are very close and the -9 has slightly better low end characteristics.
If you want acro, either the -6 or the -7. The -7 has slightly more range and a lower seat pan for taller pilots. The -6 looks better (MHO).
If you find a good deal on a particular airplane, you can't go wrong with any of them.

[rvbuilder2002]

Because you wont be building, the differences between a 6 and 7 are much smaller (biggest benefit to the 7 is much easier construction). So if you decided on a 7 a 6 would be very similar but at a lower purchase price.

As for the difference between a 7 and a 9...click on search at teh top of eth page...type RV-7 vs RV-9...sit back and spend the evening reading all of mixture of facts and opinions.

[hydroguy2]

Joe, where are you located?

I'm in Townsend and would gladly show you -7 in-progress and discuss.

or email me:bkcarroll@mt.net or Call me. I sent you a PM with my phone number.

[David-aviator]

Originally Posted by mtbowhunter

Hi:

I am new to this forum. I am currently flying a Citabria 7GCBC and am seriously thinking about buying a completed RV. I have settled on the side by side seating, but I am having a hard time distinguishing between the pros and cons of the RV6 design versus the RV7 or the RV9 designs. Can someone here help enlighten me or point me to some reading material regarding the benefits of one design versus the others? Thanks for any help.

Joe.

The big difference is the 9 wing. It is designed by John Ronz. The 6 and 7 have a Van's designed wing and are the same except for span. The 9 and 7 fuselage are the same as are the HS and rudders. The elevators and trim tabs are slightly different. The 9 has a much larger trim tab.

You won't be disappointed, no matter what you chose. They are great flying airplanes. But no upside down with the 9. It is a gentleman's cross country airplane.

[Jim P]

The 9 and 7 fuselage are the same as are the HS and rudders.

You'll find that the HS on the -7 and -9 are very different. The -9 has a hershey shaped HS while the -7 is tapered like the -8 and the -9 is also quite a bit thicker. The -7 may have the same rudder as the newer rudder was either shipped with the kit (after the first hundred or so kits) or retro-fitted.

[dhall_polo]

happy reading
here
Do I buy RV-6A or RV-7A ?
and here
RV-6 vs RV-7

[mtbowhunter]

Hey everyone,

Thank you very much for all the prompt replies. It never ceases to amaze me how helpful the pilot community is.

Joe.

[Bob Axsom]

With the same engine I believe the RV-6 is a tad faster but the RV-7 is designed to accommodate the 200 hp Lycoming where the RV-6 is limited to the 180 O-360. The RV-9 is the slowest of the group but if you are not racing the difference probably will not matter to you. All are good cross country machines.

Bob Axsom

[alpinelakespilot2000]

For independent analysis of these planes and their performance, see the CAFE Foundation reports at
http://cafefoundation.org/v2/research_aprs.php
Though the RV-7 is not tested, the -6 and -8 are (and the -7 would be very close to these). The -9 is also tested.
If you look closely, there are some pretty significant differences (that, in my case, helped me decide).
Still, in my mind, the biggest factor is whether or not you want to do aerobatics.
Good luck with your choice.