Jerry,

From what I can see on the respective websites, the RV-9A stalls at 50mph at
its gross weight of 1750 pounds with the O-320 engine. (Presumably with full
flaps, since Van's does not specify).

The 601XL stalls at 44mph with full flaps at its gross weight of 1300 pounds
with the O-235. So the 601 stall speed is lower by 6mph at gross.

This sounds about right since the RV-9A has a wing area of 124sq.ft. versus
132 sq.ft. for the 601XL.

Regards,


Gordon.
"Jerry Springer" wrote in message
...

Never mind I found the 601 stall speeds and as I figured the RV-9/9A is
still equivalent or slower, even with a 160hp Lyc (44 solo and 50 gross)
Jerry

Gordon Arnaut wrote:

Hey Guys,

I'm not trying to promote Jime Bede. I've never even owned a Yankee or
any of Jim's other designs -- alhtough I know several Grumanns owners and
they are excellent flying airplanes.

The BD-18 does seem like "vaporware" right now, but the smaller
single-seat BD-17 has flown and I don't see why the BD-18 shouldn't fly
just fine.

Another possibility for building an aluminum two-seater from plans is
Chris Heintz's Zenith 601 series. With a Lyc 235 max cruise is "only"
138mph, but stall would be lower than on an RV-9. The Zenith actually has
a little more wing area than the RV with a max weight that is
conisederably lower.

You can use a Rotax 912, Jabiru, Continental O-200, or Lycoming on this
plane, or even a Corvair. Lots of people build these from scratch and
they use pulled "Avex" rivets, so no bucking -- which means they go
together a lot quicker.

Personally, I understand Netgeek's point about wanting to build from
scratch. While Van's prices are very attractive compared to what's out
there, I think the actual material costs are probably only a fraction of
that. There are lots of people who build metal planes from scratch. I
know a couple of guys who are building all-metal Polliwagons.

Regards,

Gordon.

PS: I would still rather build a wood plane.


"C.D.Damron" wrote in message
news:Ibu5e.2589$8Z6.1278@attbi_s21...

"Morgans" wrote in message
...

Has it flown yet? How many are flying, and how many hours?


How dare you ask the obvious.