We get to chat to the man himself! Phil Lockwood gives us a little bit more information on the Vans RV9 with the Rotax® 915/916iS firewall forward prototype.
I have an IO-320 in my RV-9A. No complaints about the performance but I rarely fly above 12,500. Considering the other issues he mentioned, I can definitely see the attraction to the Rotax. It leverages and enhances the reasons that someone might choose an RV-9A over a -7A. This is a great project and I hope these guys do really well
Very interesting! The O-320 is definitely not the biggest engine people are putting into 9s, though. They're routinely built with O-360s, despite Vans' advice to the contrary. I've got an O-320 on mine and can't really figure out why people would install a higher HP Lycoming engine.
While the Rotax 916 has 160 hp at takeoff, it only has 137 hp continuous, a grand total of 2 hp more than the 915. So unless you’re into STOL flying, it makes more sense to use the 915 engine. Also, I’m happy that you plan to offer this as a package to builders!
I’d be willing to bet your pucker factor that when you’re at gross on a short runway with density altitude north of 7000 feet an extra 20 hp is worth it’s weight
Performance wise, you should be able to increase your gross weight and lift more useful load into cruise flight. And increased climb rate is a good way to avoid icing, though both being turbo already have that covered.
My initial thought was what is it’s stall and spin characteristics? But I guess as you have said, you have not done those test yet. Flying a high aspect wing I would recommend getting some time in gliders.
Ok you heard it here first... Just off a call with Phil, the aircraft has successfully completed 78 spin tests. Look forward to a more detailed report....
I hope Lockwood Aviation is able to add a storage compartment up front like the RV-8 has. It certainly appears there is plent of room. Why waste that space?
After a quick call with Phil, he says they will look at it as an option or even a BRS mounting point. He did mention that the space will allow them to run larger coolers.
If the cg range is maintained there is no reason for any pitch stability issues. Directional stability is always an issue when you lengthen the nose of an aircraft. Looks like they have added a large dorsal fin. I wish they had shown a side view of the airplane.
@@k5sss Altitude/climb is a function of excess energy, so more than just airframe eff. The long wing is nice but not a driver. My pt was the Vne of the 9 is 20kts lower TAS. So not ideal.
