|
Message
Have you tested climb rate at lower speeds,
where drag is less important? Also, you could try reducing the size of the inlet
to the Radiator scoop to see if that reduces cooling drag, since you have excess
cooling available.
On the average RV-#, best rate of climb is about 100 kts,
or 120 mph. That's what it was on my RV-8, and also on a friend's
RV-3. I'm seeing best climb rate down around 80 kts, which was
about the best angle of climb on my RV-8. I think this is an indication
that drag is becoming too much of a factor in the higher speed
climbs. There's no questioning the
airframe. The normal performance of an RV-3 is well known.
I also can't doubt the power the engine is putting out. It really
slams you back in the seat on takeoff. I think the only logical
conclusion is that there's an overwhelming amount of drag from the
cowl.
As for the cooling drag, I do have a huge opening for an
air intake, but I just can't imagine that being the majority of the
problem. I'm afraid the whole cowl will need to be re-worked,
which means a smaller radiator, and a new intake manifold. I just
don't see any other option, since I'm really not interested in flying it
like it is.
Cheers,
Rusty
|