cattflight
Well-Known Member
Folks,
While researching this idea a few weeks back I came across a HBA post asking if anyone had ever built a composite version of an RV-8. My question is similar....yet different:
What do you experts think about the idea of mating RV-7 or RV-9 wings and tail group to a homebuilt composite fuselage? Assume the longitudinal dimensions and thrust line follow the RV fuse, but instead it is built from glass or carbon over foam core. Here's why I ask: I love the performance numbers on the RVs, and the wing and tail are clearly very well built and, arguably, easier for a first-timer than a plans-built composite solution. But I am not a huge fan of the cabin ergonomics in the RV-7 or -9 (I know, blasphemy!!) and I would like to have a more reclined seating position like the Lancair Legacy - a little wider than the RV, and a more sleek, formed fuselage.
Assuming the structural and W&B items are in check - from a weight standpoint, I am guessing it would come out lighter than an RV, making room for more UL - but I am certain the build time would increase significantly due to the one-offedness of the idea. I am certain Vans would NEVER stand behind the idea from a liability and support standpoint, so I would have to call it something else, but it seems doable.
What say you?? :nervous:
While researching this idea a few weeks back I came across a HBA post asking if anyone had ever built a composite version of an RV-8. My question is similar....yet different:
What do you experts think about the idea of mating RV-7 or RV-9 wings and tail group to a homebuilt composite fuselage? Assume the longitudinal dimensions and thrust line follow the RV fuse, but instead it is built from glass or carbon over foam core. Here's why I ask: I love the performance numbers on the RVs, and the wing and tail are clearly very well built and, arguably, easier for a first-timer than a plans-built composite solution. But I am not a huge fan of the cabin ergonomics in the RV-7 or -9 (I know, blasphemy!!) and I would like to have a more reclined seating position like the Lancair Legacy - a little wider than the RV, and a more sleek, formed fuselage.
Assuming the structural and W&B items are in check - from a weight standpoint, I am guessing it would come out lighter than an RV, making room for more UL - but I am certain the build time would increase significantly due to the one-offedness of the idea. I am certain Vans would NEVER stand behind the idea from a liability and support standpoint, so I would have to call it something else, but it seems doable.
What say you?? :nervous:
