[pierre smith]

Does anyone on here have any experience flying a 180 HP -3?

Cruise speed #'s and so on?

Thanks,

 

[sailvi767]

I don't have any experience flying one but I bet a RV3 with a ECI IO340 and a lightweight prop would be a lot of fun!!!

George

 

[jbagley]

Recently, an rv3 pilot told me that with 160hp it will exceed VNE in level flight.

 

[wilddog]

I think John Harmon's first Rocket was a 200hp RV 3.

 

[Bob Axsom]

Early RV-3s failed structurally

I have private thoughts on the matter but if it were done in the interest of speed I would beef it up.

Bob Axsom

 

[JonJay]

I will PM you with a contact.

 

[rv7boy]

Maybe Pierre is thinking about a new spray plane!

 

[pierre smith]

Oh no.

Maybe Pierre is thinking about a new spray plane!

Nope....I just maybe, possibly be a -3 owner...we'll see.

140 MPH below the treetops is plenty!

What is VNE on a -3? Van doesn't list it.

Best,

 

[jbagley]

What is VNE on a -3? Van doesn't list it.

That's a good question... Randy Lervold's rv3 website lists 230mph IAS in the POH and a top speed at 1000' msl as 222 mph TAS. See Here.

Seems like this is left up to the builder to determine?

 

[Andy Hill]

Seems like this is left up to the builder to determine?

Legally, that might be the case in the USA, as much as saying your RV-7 is good for +8g

As far as Vans are concerned, VNE for the RV-3 is the same as for the 4 and 6(A), at 210mph TAS.

 

[danbenua]

160 is enough...

My 160hp, Catto fixed-pitch, RV-3B is still in early phase 1 so I don't
have complete performance data yet, but I do have one data point:
226 mph TAS, at 7500', level flight with full throttle.

You do not need more horsepower on this plane, and you would
not want the additional weight of a O-360. If 160hp seems too
wimpy, build an RV-8 or a Rocket.

- Dan Benua

 

[Michael White]

Does anyone on here have any experience flying a 180 HP -3?

Cruise speed #'s and so on?

Thanks,

Pierre,
Talk to Brian Wallis about his 3. IIRC, he told me his 320 is pumping out 170 horses...should be real close for data points.

Best,

 

[pierre smith]

She's gone.

Thanks guys, but I missed her by 15 minutes

Best,

 

[MikeF]

Crazy

The guy I purchased my 4 from had one, he ended up flipping it during a landing accident. He said it was stupid crazy and should have never sold the 4 as it was more fun than the 3 with the 180.

Mike

 

[smokyray]

No subsitute?

My 160hp, Catto fixed-pitch, RV-3B is still in early phase 1 so I don't
have complete performance data yet, but I do have one data point:
226 mph TAS, at 7500', level flight with full throttle.

You do not need more horsepower on this plane, and you would
not want the additional weight of a O-360. If 160hp seems too
wimpy, build an RV-8 or a Rocket.

- Dan Benua

Hmmm, that's what someone told John Harmon about his RV-3...
Gentlemen, I give you the Harmon Rocket One...


200HP RV-3 Hybrid.
V/R
Smokey

 

[brianwallis]

172hp

It's stupid fast..... And the closest thing to the space shuttle I've ever flown!

 

[rvaitor87]

The VNE

of my -3 is 205. 160hp, it flirts with VNE in level flight. Brian is right, it is the closest thing to a Space shuttle, and stupid fast!

 

[Ironflight]

Nahh....it doesn't come down anywhere NEAR as fast as the space shuttle.....it's that dang redline thing!

 

[rvaitor87]

So Paul,,,,,,

what exactly is the VNE of the shuttle?

 

[Mike S]

what exactly is the VNE of the shuttle?

Probably different for in atmosphere and out.