Finally airborne

[Grumpy]

After 4 years of work the RV4 had its first flight this afternoon. I have been helping a friend assemble it and machining different parts for it. Took it up for a nice easy flight this afternoon, about 45 min flying around within 5 miles of the airport, at 1900 rpm, clocked along at 150 mph, cruise is at 2300 rpm, should be around 190 mph with out pushing it. Great flight, couple minor trim adjustments need to be made. Great to see it flying, will take a month to get the grin off my friends face. Almost as great as the first blast on a Valkyrie.

[John Schmidt]

Bill, any idea what it weighs? With that speed it obviously won't pass for a Light Sport, sure would be nice to have something like that to play with. With that speed it would make a nice cross country machine.

[sheets]

I've logged a few hours in the back seat of an RV4. Need a shoe horn to get in. The experience is very up close and personal. Kid is a pilot. He has a friend who owns it... who lets him take it up when he gets the urge.

[Grumpy]

Bill, any idea what it weighs? With that speed it obviously won't pass for a Light Sport, sure would be nice to have something like that to play with. With that speed it would make a nice cross country machine.

915 lbs dry, gross loaded 1500 lbs, and additional 25 for luggage. Top speed 213 mph.
Cruise [75% @ 8000 ft] 193 mph  range 640 sm at 75% cruise.  I agree tight fit, but very nimble and aerobatic aircraft.  I think we had a great first flight, need to add a little tension to the tail wheel springs, and a minor adjustment to the rudder trim.  I got a good laugh at my friend, plane is so slick, does not want to slow down, first landing he shot a little hot, ground effect was holding it up half way down the runway. Second pass came over the threshold at 70 mph, then full flaps and it settled in nicely.  Next weekend he will finish it up, still needs the wheel pants installed, left them off for first flight to check brake temps and any sign of brake fluid leaks.

[IamGCW]

What power plant are you using?  Years ago I worked with another engineer that built a RV4 using a modified RX7 engine.   He later began supplieing them for others.  Another engineer from our group built an RV6 using a Subaru.  Nice aircraft.  He later replaced the Subaru with an RX7.   Flying with regular fuel was a nice savings.

Gil

[fon1961]

Very cool 

[Grumpy]

What power plant are you using?  Years ago I worked with another engineer that built a RV4 using a modified RX7 engine.   He later began supplieing them for others.  Another engineer from our group built an RV6 using a Subaru.  Nice aircraft.  He later replaced the Subaru with an RX7.   Flying with regular fuel was a nice savings.

Gil

It is using a Lycoming O-360  180 horse.

[John Schmidt]

Hmm, with a smaller engine it would probably qualify as a Light Sport and still haul butt. I've talked to a few that own LS a/c that are supposed to have a top speed around 120. Every one of them tells me "don't believe it."  Many are as fast or faster than a C-172, and don't use nearly as much fuel.

[JimmyG]

Grumpy, that is beautifullllllllll!!  A friend and I started a pair of Mustang I's a few years ago.  I finally sold my project and my friend got killed in a plane accident and his wife gave his project to someone. Lot's of long hours and redo's to make things perfect is what I remember. I commend you sir for staying with it and finishing.  That is going to be fun.

[Daniel Meyer]

Very cool!

[Willow]

Nice.  Very nice.  It looks nimble.

[Patrick]

Very nice !!  Vans makes a nice kit.. Glad to see its a taildragger with a real engine pulling it.. 

[Jess Tolbirt]

i was wondering if that plane could do what this rc plane can do,,,maybe with a little practice,,

http://www.wimp.com/rcpilot/