What's new
Van's Air Force

Don't miss anything! Register now for full access to the definitive RV support community.

RV7A cruise numbers

bizpilot

Member
Hi anybody out there have a 7A with a Catto 3blade and o-360 that can give me cruise speeds and fuel flow at high power like 2500 or 2600 rpm?
Also a report on smoothness of th Catto.
Thanks Bob Bisbee
 
https://www.vansaircraft.com/rv-7/

Click performance tab near bottom of page and download brochure. I assume the Catto is fixed pitch, Carburetor is fine but is not quite as efficient as FI. Efficiency goes up a little with constant speed props and fuel injection slightly. Lyc O360 at 2600RPM at 8000 ft fuel flow is about 9.7 gph (assuming 75% power). You can check this in Lycoming engine manual power/ff charts. You can get cruise in the mid 7 gphs if you throttle back or climb to where power is 55%.

Performance varies based on weight and fit and finish. Even if someone had the exact configuration you are asking about, another identical RV may have different performance. However they are all in the same ball park. If it is a clean light RV-7 with 180 HP at 2600 rpm it should see about 196-206 mph. Dial it back a but 186-196 mph and save some gas. Some RV's are faster than others for too many reasons to list.
 
Last edited:
Catto 3 blade with injected (upgraded) O360-A4M.

2500 RPM = 155 KTAS @ 7.8 GPH
2550 RPM = 160 KTAS @ 8.1 GPH
2600 RPM = 165 KTAS @ 8.5 GPH

Planning an upgrade to the Superior cold air sump, which is stated to add 7 HP. I'd love to get 175 KTAS.
 
Last edited:
Catto 3 blade with injected (upgraded) O360-A4M.

2500 RPM = 155 KTAS @ 7.8 GPH
2550 RPM = 160 KTAS @ 8.1 GPH
2600 RPM = 165 KTAS @ 8.5 GPH

Planning an upgrade to the Superior cold air sump, which is stated to add 7 HP. I'd love to get 175 KTAS.

I do the same burn for the same speeds with my 7. 175 is available, but with higher burn rate. All at 2450 RPM, CS Hartzell. Typically, 160KTAS @8.0-8.1 GPH is the cruise setting, speed will go up/down with mixture to above settings. All around 8000 ft DA, it is better for mine at 10K. 180 HP M1B.
 
Thanks Ray, is the Catto smooth and reasonably quiet at 2600?
Bob Bisbee

Yes, very smooth at 2600. Possibly smoother than 2500. I have a Bose A20 headset for noise cancelling. Tried the in-ear type (passive) but tower always complained of the mic noise.
 
I do the same burn for the same speeds with my 7. 175 is available, but with higher burn rate. All at 2450 RPM, CS Hartzell. Typically, 160KTAS @8.0-8.1 GPH is the cruise setting, speed will go up/down with mixture to above settings. All around 8000 ft DA, it is better for mine at 10K. 180 HP M1B.

I can get 175 KTAS at 2700 but, as you said, fuel burn goes WAY up.
 
Fuel/speed

I have an 0360 A1A (carb), and a 3 blade catto on the 7A. Routinely I cruise at about 55% power (around 2300 RMP or so) at 134 kt. on a trip from VA to SC. Fuel burn is just under 7 gph depending on altitude and leaning....most altitude is at 6,500 ft or less.

3 blade Catto Prop is smooth as butter.

Paul
 
I have an 0360 A1A (carb), and a 3 blade catto on the 7A. Routinely I cruise at about 55% power (around 2300 RMP or so) at 134 kt. on a trip from VA to SC. Fuel burn is just under 7 gph depending on altitude and leaning....most altitude is at 6,500 ft or less.

3 blade Catto Prop is smooth as butter.

Paul

Is that 134KTS TAS or IAS?

I too have a Catto 3-blade from 2012. Just trying to see some apples to apples.
 
Back
Top