The RV-7 is an airplane that is built from a kit. The manufacturer of the kit is Van's Aircraft located in Aurora, OR. It is a two seat airplane that is capable of 200 mph. The airplane kit comes in two forms. A slow build and quick version. I am building the slow build version shown in the picture below. With it's range and speed, I will be able to fly short trips anywhere in the northwest with ease. I am building the taildragger version of this plane.
The RV-7 is rated for +6/-3 G's which means it is capable of aerobatics.
So What's it like flying an RV7?
Specifications*
Wingspan:
25 ft 0 in
Length:
20 ft 4 in
Height:
5 ft 10 in
Wing Area:
121 sq ft
Empty Weight:
1061 - 1114 lbs
Gross Weight:
1800 lbs
Engine:
150 - 200 hp
Propeller:
Fixed or C/S
Fuel Capacity:
42 gal
Baggage:
100 lbs
Performance*
Horse Power:
160
180
200
Top Speed [gross weight]:
201 mph
209 mph
216 mph
Cruise [gross, 75% @ 8000 ft]:
191 mph
199 mph
206 mph
Cruise [gross, 55% @ 8000 ft]:
172 mph
179 mph
186 mph
Stall Speed [gross]:
58 mph
58 mph
58 mph
Takeoff Distance [gross]:
650 ft
575 ft
500 ft
Landing Distance [gross]:
500 ft
500 ft
500 ft
Rate of Climb [gross]:
1400 fpm
1650 fpm
1900 fpm
Ceiling [gross]:
18,500 ft
20,500 ft
22,500 ft
Range [75% 8000 ft]:
835 sm
775 sm
765 sm
Range [55% 8000 ft]:
1025 sm
950 sm
935 sm
*All numbers were taken from Van's website and are for informational use only. Please check with the manufacturer for detailed and accurate inforamtion when needed.
