I am preparing to start an RV7, It meets our mission perfectly.
With the thought of Experimental Aviation in mind, I wonder since the 9 shares fuselage and empennage, would it be possible to build a set of 9 wings and "swap" wings out for higher altitude X-country trips? I have not put the costs to the calculator, I would imagine the cost of the wing kits (if Vans would even sell them to a 7 owner) would take a long time to recoup compared to the cruise economy improvement. There is the obvious change in wing aspect ratio, slight increase in SqFt., and smaller tanks. Thinking there maybe CG issues also with the wing chord change and the heavier AIO-360 that is planned.
It is just a thought, it is not like swapping wings and re-rigging would be a 30 minute job. Is just more of a theoretical question. The 7 has enough wing and speed, ceiling is very close to a 9 already.
With the thought of Experimental Aviation in mind, I wonder since the 9 shares fuselage and empennage, would it be possible to build a set of 9 wings and "swap" wings out for higher altitude X-country trips? I have not put the costs to the calculator, I would imagine the cost of the wing kits (if Vans would even sell them to a 7 owner) would take a long time to recoup compared to the cruise economy improvement. There is the obvious change in wing aspect ratio, slight increase in SqFt., and smaller tanks. Thinking there maybe CG issues also with the wing chord change and the heavier AIO-360 that is planned.
It is just a thought, it is not like swapping wings and re-rigging would be a 30 minute job. Is just more of a theoretical question. The 7 has enough wing and speed, ceiling is very close to a 9 already.