As much as the aviation world hypes up radial engines and V12s, a rather obscure offering from Lycoming is possibly one of the most unique (and best!) sounding engines ever built. The 8-cylinder IO-720 was essentially two 4-cylinder IO-360s bolted end-to-end. First fitted on the Piper Comanche 400 in the late 60s, it made its way to other airframes, primarily as an upgrade. Although the IO-720 was powerful, it was very heavy, guzzled fuel and cost a fortune to overhaul, hence limiting its sales. Nonetheless, it could be found on the following aircraft, featured in this compilation:
00:05 Beechcraft Queenair
4:49 Piper Comanche 400
6:53 Beech Twin Bonanza
8:28 Fletcher FU-24
11:03 Piper Brave
12:44 Helio Courier
12:58 Mike Patey’s Lancair Legacy
Credit to 24HALL for Excalibur footage:
/ @24hall
One of the most distinguishing features of the IO-720 is its distinct sound, emanating a rumble unique to 8-cylinder engines that captivates any avgeek’s ears. When combined with an augmentor, as seen in the Queenair and Twin Bonanza models, the IO-720 emerges as one of the most exceptional-sounding general aviation aircraft to grace the skies.
What are your thoughts on the IO-720?
Video Credits:
• N888EK Beechcraft Quee...
• Bemidji Airlines Beech...
• Cruising in a Excalibu...
• N888EK Beechcraft Quee...
• N888EK Beechcraft Quee...
• Excalibur Queen Air Start
• 1967 BEECHCRAFT QUEEN ...
• Excalibur Queen Air
• Beechcraft Queen Air E...
• N888EK Beechcraft Quee...
• Queen Air Takeoff
• Queenair departing FLL
• 1967 Queen Air 65 - Ol...
• nice day for flying ex...
• Bemidji Aviation Beech...
• Cockpit view Beechcraf...
• *LOUD!!!* Bemidji Avia...
• *LOUD!!!* Bemidji Avia...
• Bemidji Aviation Beech...
• Beechcraft Queen Air r...
• Eaa 2012 General Rodri...
• Video
• Video
• Video
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• Piper Comanche 400
• 1964 Comanche 400 - 8 ...
• Hauling Balls in a Com...
• Comanche 400
• FLYING YOUR OWN PLANE ...
13 авг 2023
