----- Original Message -----

From: Tracy

To: Rotary motors in aircraft

Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 9:21 AM

Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Tracy RV-8 Questions

Hi Doug,
    I have 48 hours on the RV-8 but almost all of them done on short test flights while working out various development problems so I have never done tests on the intended use of the airplane (long distance cruise at high altitude).

  The most interesting thing (to me anyway) is that the fuel burn at low altitude is virtually identical at the same speeds as the RV4 with a Renesis.   This is partly due to the longer wing and the high pitch prop which makes the engine rpm 1000 rpm lower than the -4 at the same speed. 

I haven't done formal glide ratio tests but it is very obvious that it's significantly better than the -4, also due to the longer wing.  I thought the stall speed was much lower too but my previous statement about it being down to 45 mph was due to a bad air speed sensor in the Bluemountain EFIS.  It's really closer to 50.   Top speed is airframe limited at 230 mph.  That's reached at around 25" MP.

Cooling is working OK and when I install the bellmouth inlet rings on the inlets I think it will be in final form.   Right now I have what amounts to 5" pitot tubes sticking out of the cowl for inlets.   Not good at high angle of attack in climb.   Climb at solo flight & 1/2 fuel is around 3750 fpm.

Seat of the pants impression:   One hell of a fun airplane to fly.

Tracy

On Mon, Apr 4, 2011 at 6:27 AM, <dlomheim@aol.com> wrote:

Tracy if you get a chance would mind taking a minute to post the latest news on your RV-8 20B?  I know I am curious about your cruise numbers and fuel burn and also what your feelings are about it's handling and overall performance based on the extended wing you put on it.  Also, do you have the cooling system tweaked now where you like it or are there further gains to had / made?

 

Take care,

 

Doug Lomheim

RV-9A / FWF / Electrical / Canopy

 

Hope to resume work by mid - May.