Is this a thing? I have never heard of it.
You could crash your aircraft at 55 or less and as long as you don't hit something that brings you to a sudden stop, you should survive.........
Is this a thing? I have never heard of it.
You could crash your aircraft at 55 or less and as long as you don't hit something that brings you to a sudden stop, you should survive.........
Interesting theory. Your odds of survival are certainly better at lower impact speeds. Depending on how rapid the deceleration, structure still plays a big part. If Vans decides to put a full wing spar right in front of the two front occupant's heads, that 55 mph could still leave a mark. If they put the fuel tank above your legs like Sonex, that could get interesting as well.
Here in congested Southern California, good luck finding wide open spaces to do a gradual rollout from 55 to 0 mph. Nevertheless, I'd rather do it at 55 mph than 63 mph in my current airplane.
Ya I know slower is better but I didn't know if that 55 number was statistically significant or not.
If I recall, Vans had a graph with a curve on it that showed the relationship between speed and survivability, using data from I guess years of information. I don’t think the point was the actual 55 number, but rather the desire to try and keep the stall speed on the lower end of the spectrum. I remember looking at the White Lightening and Lancair stalls speeds on the graph and it was humbling. The survivability curve got exponentially worse above 55 to 60mph. One thing that stands out in my mind was the amount of concern that Van gave this when he was designing his planes.
Vans just posted a teaser on FB with the the RV-15 covered up in the background
Hah. That was actually the RV-5 with something that's not really the RV-15 covered up in the background.
Hah. That was actually the RV-5 with something that's not really the RV-15 covered up in the background.
Check the date on the article in the linkhttps://www.kitplanes.com/kitfox-announces-new-model-with-stunning-new-rotax-engine/
Looks like a new option?
Bob
yes, the date is April 2021? It takes a while to get a new engine out the door and be adopted. Looks like Kitfox may be trying it out....
Bob
LOL! - Well that would be a bummer, but you all are probably correct!
Thanks!
Bob
yelp color me fooled Well back to where I belong - LyCons...
If I recall, Vans had a graph with a curve on it that showed the relationship between speed and survivability, using data from I guess years of information...
I new back then I wanted a high wing RV,,, that would go 130 knots! With bigger tires. Enter my Cessna 180J in 2009.
The C180 is capable and is a great back country plane, just wish I could have built it my self. From a kit. I do wish it was a little faster… I call it Paul Revere
He's saying it will cruise at 136 knots, Top speed 157 knots.
two piece doors with the bottom swinging open on forward hinges and the top swinging up on top hinges, able to stay open in flight..
I would much rather see it done like the Glasair sportsman - where the single wing strut attaches behind the door and allows for a large door that can swing all the way forward
As a Sportsman owner I can add that cockpit accessibility is GREATLY enhanced through having the strut in this location. My wife is mobility challenged. If the strut were located forward like a typical Cessna there is no way she would be able to fly with me, she simply would not be able to get into the airplane.
The Lockheed Vega, Cessna 190/195 and many other WW2 era high wing airplanes also shared the cantilever wing. Many advantages not the least of which is accessibility.