Mark's Reply
Mark doesn't subscribe to this forum, but he sent me this response to post on his behalf.
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Did my early stall testing next to Stu McCurdy's RV8 (180HP/CS prop) and Richard Smith's RV4 (Not sure which engine/prop). Both are good examples of their types. All planes were solo, assume 1/2 fuel (1600LBS/1200 for the -4?). Looked like 4MPH slower compared to Stu's plane, and maybe 2MPH slower compared to Richard's.
The results were repeatable that day, and believe me, we were ALL surprised.
Best to ask Stu if he remembers, but I think he had full flaps in and I had 1/2...
Highly scientific testing process: simply fly as slow as ya can -- let's see who stalls first. No limit on power use, but I can say I wasn't using much (CAFE testing uses 15"/1500) -- I recall I was using less that that. I know our process was not really scientific, but Van gives good numbers, and I wanted a comparison.
So, whatever number you believe an RV8/RV4 stalls at, at any reasonable given gross weight, I would suggest that the F1 stalls slower, or equal to. Pilot skill is a factor here.
Stall qualities: Here is a data point that is not often looked at: some planes have a particularly vicious stall, and the pilot is well recommended to stay far from that maneuver, lest the ground rise up and smite him. The stall in the 23013.5 winged RVs is not in this category, but it's not the mushing break of a Cessna either. The Evo has more of a mushing break, and the flow re-attaches immediately when asked. It is NOT like the 23013.5 on the RV, with its expected semi-sharp break -- the Evo gives plenty of warning, otherwise known as a pre-stall buffet.
Summary: Bragging, in this business, will get you thrown out; aviation takes place in a very small world. The Evo does what I say it will, as surprising as that may seem to some of you. It also looks good while doing it! If you want to make some comparison flights, c'mon down and we'll see if I'm right.
Wing area: If a particular plane has a 23' wing span, and a 58" chord (use 60" to make the math easy), that plane is said to have 115 square feet of wing area. Thus I would suggest any measurement of wing area on any aircraft includes the center section. I can try to find out flap data if required; it is a slotted type -- not Fowler, or plain, type. As for published stall speed, I feel safe saying it is -2MPH from the RV4, which is advertised as having a 54MPH stall at gross weight. I'll stick with 52MPH, or ~44KT, at gross weight (2100LBS).
Of course, these higher efficiency numbers allow the Evo to cruise alongside my RV buddies while buring less fuel. I've done this too many times -- there is no arguing; references are available. This REALLY gets 'em whining. I won't get into the altitude performance of the ship here, unless someone wants to know...but going non-stop from Nellis AFB (Las Vegas) to Taylor TX and landing with +VFR reserves should give a hint.
Illegitimus non Carborundum!
Mark
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My advice is to stay as far away from Rockets as you possibly can. DO NOT BUILD ONE! They are bad handling, poor performing, uncomfortable, gas hogs ripped off from Van's design. Why anyone would want one is beyond me.