AV2023 PHIL LOCKWOOD - RV9 915/916iS FWF PROTOTYPE

[@TheFlightLevel]

I fly an RV9A. Very cool to see this project. I will spread the news to my friends at our flying club! I look forward to more news!

[@HMac411]

I have an IO-320 in my RV-9A. No complaints about the performance but I rarely fly above 12,500. Considering the other issues he mentioned, I can definitely see the attraction to the Rotax. It leverages and enhances the reasons that someone might choose an RV-9A over a -7A. This is a great project and I hope these guys do really well

[@photon1972]

I also fly an RV9A. I have spent many, many hours dreaming of this setup. We'll see where they are in this project when it's time for overhaul...

[@tmpendergrass]

This makes me want to build an rv-9

[@crufflerdoug]

Very interesting! The O-320 is definitely not the biggest engine people are putting into 9s, though. They're routinely built with O-360s, despite Vans' advice to the contrary. I've got an O-320 on mine and can't really figure out why people would install a higher HP Lycoming engine.

[@carlsonthomas]

Modern engine with proven airframe! Looks like a winner to me. 😃👍🏻

[@GeneralSirDouglasMcA]

While the Rotax 916 has 160 hp at takeoff, it only has 137 hp continuous, a grand total of 2 hp more than the 915. So unless you’re into STOL flying, it makes more sense to use the 915 engine. Also, I’m happy that you plan to offer this as a package to builders!

[@rcarsey]

.. And the 916 is 2000 TBO.. 915 is 1200.. may or may not be worth the extra price just based on that alone.

[@Captndarty]

I’d be willing to bet your pucker factor that when you’re at gross on a short runway with density altitude north of 7000 feet an extra 20 hp is worth it’s weight

[@rnordquest]

Performance wise, you should be able to increase your gross weight and lift more useful load into cruise flight. And increased climb rate is a good way to avoid icing, though both being turbo already have that covered.

[@Lewthor]

You should make the radiator air intake bigger and shaped like the P40 Warhawk. The 916 option rekindles my desire to build an RV9

[@rials24]

Check out their flight leaving Oshkosh... Idk what the winds were but impressive!

[@erikjensen7704]

Putting up some pretty amazing numbers according to Flightaware 👍🏻👍🏻

[@timduncan8450]

How fast? Vne is 30mph lower than a normal Vans

[@algenalbritten3056]

Phil is such a cool dude! Actually, the whole team at Lockwood Aviation is!

[@arildandersen9571]

This is interesting 👍

[@Thomipangang]

This would definitely pull me over the line to buy an rv9… this would be amazing! Also I just love the design of this air intake!

[@GeneralSirDouglasMcA]

Can the RV 9 be a tail wheel without any problems? This particular RV originally was configured as a taildragger prior to the Rotax installation.

[@randyfiles9980]

I would buy it tomorrow!

[@A.J.1656]

Cool beans.

[@RustyClam]

My initial thought was what is it’s stall and spin characteristics? But I guess as you have said, you have not done those test yet. Flying a high aspect wing I would recommend getting some time in gliders.

[@rnordquest]

It’s only high relative to other RVs.

[@leifvejby8023]

It is not glider high, just like Cessna high.

[@rotaxnewsnetworkrnn7234]

Ok you heard it here first... Just off a call with Phil, the aircraft has successfully completed 78 spin tests. Look forward to a more detailed report....

[@wallywally8282]

I like it👍

[@tommybarrett1320]

I hope Lockwood Aviation is able to add a storage compartment up front like the RV-8 has. It certainly appears there is plent of room. Why waste that space?

[@rotaxnewsnetworkrnn7234]

After a quick call with Phil, he says they will look at it as an option or even a BRS mounting point. He did mention that the space will allow them to run larger coolers.

[@mytubehkjt]

Would have been nice to see the aircraft..

[@kentcolgan6139]

I thought they had to increase the tail area to maintain stability but he didn’t say anything about that, so maybe not

[@sblack48]

If the cg range is maintained there is no reason for any pitch stability issues. Directional stability is always an issue when you lengthen the nose of an aircraft. Looks like they have added a large dorsal fin. I wish they had shown a side view of the airplane.

[@timduncan8450]

All this effort would yield more speed in an RV7 or 8, no?

[@k5sss]

The 9’s high(er) aspect ratio wing is the only one that can fly high enough to really take advantage of the turbo for better TAS.

[@timduncan8450]

@@k5sss Altitude/climb is a function of excess energy, so more than just airframe eff. The long wing is nice but not a driver. My pt was the Vne of the 9 is 20kts lower TAS. So not ideal.

[@kevinphillips9408]

Really really interested in this. I need further contact if possible thanks Kev