The RV-9A is a tricycle gear low-wing airplane. The airframe is riveted aluminum. The intent is to have a fuel-efficient, rapid and fun cross-country platform. Van’s do offer the classical Lycoming engines. We are considering the Lockwood package for the Rotax 916is, which is fuel-injected and should allow for unprecedented performances for any Van’s aircraft ever built. The expected performance with comparison to Lycoming engine is tabulated below.
| Published numbers | |
|---|---|
| Seats | 2 |
| Wing Span | 28 ft |
| Stall Speed | 38 kts |
| Fuel Capacity | 36 US gal |
| Max Take-Off Weight | 1750 LBS |
| Lycoming IO-320 | Rotax 916iS | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 160 hp | 137 hp | -23 hp |
| Payload | 679 LBS | 759 LBS | +80 LBS |
| Cruise @ DA 8,500 | 161 kts | 190 kts | +29 kts |
| Rate of Climb | 1900 ft/min | N/A | N/A |
| Fuel Burn Rate | 9.6 gph | 5.5 gph | -4.1 gph |
| Range | 700 SM | 1200+ SM | +500 SM |
| Max ceiling | 18,500 ft | 23,000 ft | +4,500 ft |
| Time Between Overhaul | 2000 hr | 2000 hr | same |