The Aircraft

Van's RV-7 

Based in Oregon, USA, Van’s Aircraft is the world’s most successful home-build aircraft producer with over 10000 aircraft kits (comprising 12 different aircraft types/configurations) now flying in 28 countries.  The Van’s philosophy of 'Total Performance' makes their high-performance RV-7 aircraft particularly well suited to this mission.  Side-by-side seating in a relatively roomy cockpit allows the installation of the additional fuel tanks with minimal impact to the centre of gravity, whilst a large instrument panel will accommodate the required fit of avionics.  The chosen altitude for the circumnavigation is in the 8000-14,000 feet band which will maximise the speed of the aircraft with a cruise target in the region of 170-175 knots (200 mph) – to enable higher for weather and terrain avoidance, oxygen will be fitted.  

Image
Quick build kit

RV-7 Performance (Unmodified)

Speeds and ranges in statute mph (sm) 160 hp 180 hp 200   hp
 
Speed - Solo   Weight
Top Speed 202 mph 210 mph 217 mph
Cruise [75% @ 8000 ft] 192 mph 200 mph 207 mph
Cruise [55% @ 8000 ft] 173 mph 180 mph 187 mph
Stall Speed 51 mph 51 mph 51 mph
 
Speed - Gross   Weight
Top Speed 201 mph 209 mph 216 mph
Cruise [75% @ 8000 ft] 191 mph 199 mph 206 mph
Cruise [55% @ 8000 ft] 172 mph 179 mph 186 mph
Stall Speed 58 mph 58 mph 58 mph
 
Ground Performance -   Solo Weight
Takeoff Distance 300 ft 275 ft 250 ft
Landing Distance 350 ft 350 ft 350 ft
 
Ground Performance -   Gross Weight
Takeoff Distance 650 ft 575 ft 500 ft
Landing Distance 500 ft 500 ft 500 ft
 
Climb/Ceiling - Solo   Weight
Rate of Climb 1,900 fpm 2,200 fpm 2,550 fpm
Ceiling 21,000 ft 23,000 ft 25,500 ft
 
Climb/Ceiling -   Gross Weight
Rate of Climb 1,400 fpm 1,650 fpm 1,900 fpm
Ceiling 18,500 ft 20,500 ft 22,500 ft
 
Range
Range [75% @ 8000 ft] 835 sm 775 sm 765 sm
Range [55% @ 8000 ft] 1,025 sm 950 sm 935 sm

RV-7 Specifications (Unmodified)

Exterior Dimensions
Span 25 ft
Length 20 ft 4in.
Height 5 ft 10 in.
Wing Area 121 sq ft
 
Weights
Empty Weight 1061 - 1114 lbs
Gross Weight 1800 lbs
 
Loadings
Wing Loading 14.8 lb/sq ft
Power Loading 12.0 - 9.0 lb/hp 
 
Powerplant/Systems
Engine 150-200 hp
Propeller Fixed or C/S
Fuel Capacity 42 US gal
 
Other
Baggage 100 lbs

Courtesy of Van's Aircraft Inc