My RV-3B - Specifications, Decisons, Desires!

This page is dedicated to how I want my RV-3B to look and its specifications. This page will change all the way through the build process as I refine my ideas, find new products, or simply change my mind!

I am just going to put down my general thoughts: Scroll through the menus under the 'My RV-3B tab to read about my curent thinking for more detailed aspects of the aircraft such as engine, avionics, panel design etc.

So what am I after?

We built the RV-7 as a long distance tourer, although in the UK we can only fly Day VFR only. We want to be able to travel all over Europe and perhaps beyond. So I wanted a fully equipped IFR machine, so if I do get caught out in bad weather I have the werewithall to land safely. We bought our avionics and instruments before the move to affordable EFIS based panels, so is very traditional in design. I have to admit here that Barry, a member of our 3 person build syndicate, and I are complete gadget freaks, and I rather suspect that the local 'in joke' around here was that if there was a spare space in the panel, we would find an instrument to fit, has more that an ounce of truth in it!

Essentially I want the RV-3B for a very different mission: I am after a fun, fast, aerobatic aircraft, that I can also use for visiting friends around the UK. I want a light, and simple aircraft to operate. I want my own 'mini fighter!'

I think that clearly establishing what you want to achieve with your aircraft is really helpful and of course is vital when it comes to defining what the final configuration is going to be. I am not sure we really did this with the RV-7 and as a result she is 'fully loaded'! - not that this is a fault, at the end of the day we really enjoyed building her.

At the moment I am thinking of a standard IO-320 D1A from Vans with a fixed pitch prop. Not sure about fitting an inverted oil system though, heavy and not much space under the cowl (I don't like negative G anyway!).

I am probably going to fit electric trims and flaps rather than stay with the manual versions (there are some very good ideas out there for these modifications).

The avionics will definately be EFIS based and I am thinking of a carbon fibre panel that wraps around beside the seat with storage cubby holes (one dedicated to extra strong mints!). GPS - of course! I am also thinking about fitting an autopilot for those longer trips. Once you have tried one it is difficult to imagine life without one?

So many decisions - but plenty of time to make them!

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