Lufthans
Well Known Member
Hi guys
Question on W&B. Or rather- the balance aspect of it:
I am rebuilding my RV3B. I bought it in (somewhat) flying condition, and during the one flight that I did, elevator trim was pretty much neutral.
I have since taken the plane apart, all the way to tail and wings off, and I am working on a weight shedding program.
Heavy aluminum prop replaced by wooden Catto. 1950s Boat anchor starter and generator replaced by lightweight items. Two heavy magnetos and heavy carburettor replaced by EFI/ electronic ignition. Instrumentation shaved down to a bare minimum.
All in all, I expect to lose some 30 lbs from what was already a very lightweight (750 lbs) aircraft.
That’s all nice and good, however, pretty much all the weight that I am taking out comes from the nose. My engine is a narrow-deck O-320, which really only is a few lbs heavier than an O-235, so that doesn’t help much.
I AM going to add a second battery, which helps, however the plan was to make both of them EarthX units, with which I’ll end up below the weight of the single original battery.
I am 6’4” and 220 lbs, and for sake of legroom, I will be making an effort to sit as far back in the plane as possible.
Maybe the batteries should go on the firewall, and maybe I’d have to stick to Odysseys, but will that be enough??
Then the question: How sensitive is the -3 to CG? Am I messing things up here to the point where I need an extra heavy crush ring under the prop, or will I be ok? With the wings and tail off, I really can’t weigh until things are pretty much done.
Thoughts welcome!
Question on W&B. Or rather- the balance aspect of it:
I am rebuilding my RV3B. I bought it in (somewhat) flying condition, and during the one flight that I did, elevator trim was pretty much neutral.
I have since taken the plane apart, all the way to tail and wings off, and I am working on a weight shedding program.
Heavy aluminum prop replaced by wooden Catto. 1950s Boat anchor starter and generator replaced by lightweight items. Two heavy magnetos and heavy carburettor replaced by EFI/ electronic ignition. Instrumentation shaved down to a bare minimum.
All in all, I expect to lose some 30 lbs from what was already a very lightweight (750 lbs) aircraft.
That’s all nice and good, however, pretty much all the weight that I am taking out comes from the nose. My engine is a narrow-deck O-320, which really only is a few lbs heavier than an O-235, so that doesn’t help much.
I AM going to add a second battery, which helps, however the plan was to make both of them EarthX units, with which I’ll end up below the weight of the single original battery.
I am 6’4” and 220 lbs, and for sake of legroom, I will be making an effort to sit as far back in the plane as possible.
Maybe the batteries should go on the firewall, and maybe I’d have to stick to Odysseys, but will that be enough??
Then the question: How sensitive is the -3 to CG? Am I messing things up here to the point where I need an extra heavy crush ring under the prop, or will I be ok? With the wings and tail off, I really can’t weigh until things are pretty much done.
Thoughts welcome!