The RV7 is manufactured by
Van's Aircraft and is arguably the
most successful metal airplane kit manufacturer in the world today with more
than 4600 flying airplanes. The RV7 is 2 a seated side-by-side sportsman's
airplane that does a range of things very good, from cross country flying to
aerobatics, Van's calls it "Total Performance". It cruises fast at 320km/h and a good range of +1200 km.
Building from a standard kit the manufacturer quotes 1300-1400 hours for an
experienced builder, but in reality for a first time builder (like me) it
will take closer to +/- 2000 hours.
The Kit and the Final Product
|
Exterior
Dimensions |
|
Span |
25 ft 0 in (7.6 m) |
| Length |
20 ft 4 in (6.2 m) |
| Height |
5 ft 10 in (1.8 m) |
|
Wing Area |
121 sq ft |
|
Weights |
|
Empty Weight |
1061-1114 lbs (~500 kg) |
| Solo Weight |
1400 lbs (635 kg) |
| Gross Weight |
1800 lbs (816 kg) |
|
Loadings
|
| Wing Loading |
14.8 lb/sq ft |
| Power Loading |
12.0 - 9.0 lb/hp |
|
Powerplant/Systems
|
| Engine |
150-200 hp |
| Propeller |
Fixed or C/S |
| Fuel Capacity |
42 US gal (159 L) |
|
Other
|
| Baggage |
100 lbs (45 kg) |
|
|
Performance with 180HP |
| Top Speed |
210 m/h |
338 km/h |
| Cruise [75% 8000
ft] |
200 m/h |
322 km/h |
| Cruise [55% 8000
ft] |
180 m/h |
290 km/h |
| Stall Speed -
Solo |
51 m/h |
82 km/h |
| Stall Speed -
Gross |
58 m/h |
93 km/h |
|
Ground Performance (Solo - Gross)
|
| Takeoff Distance |
275 ft - 575 ft |
83-175 m |
| Landing Distance |
350 ft - 500 ft |
107-153 m |
|
Climb
|
| Rate of Climb -
Solo Weight |
2,200 f/min |
670 m/min |
| Rate of Climb -
Gross Weight |
1,650 f/min |
503 m/min |
|
Range
|
| Range [75% 8000
ft] |
775 sm |
1247 km |
| Range [55% 8000
ft] |
950 sm |
1528 km |
|
|
3 View Drawing |
Interior Drawing |
|
 |
 |