Since this was one of the first threads that came up in Google dealing with the RV-3 cockpit size, it seemed appropriate to annotate some dimensions from the RV-3 preview plans as regards the cockpit sizing. As I'm 6'5" tall, but only 180Lbs and suffering empty nest syndrome now my -9 is flying, I'm investigating the RV-3 while attempting to convince the KRviatrix another RV build wont cause AIDS....
Now, since these dimensions are sourced from the preview plans, there may be some error vs actual measurements from an in-service RV-3. They're worth what you paid for them!
So, on to the dimensions.
- From the F305 bulkhead located immediately behind the seatback to the firewall is 49.0 inches at the lower longeron.
However, the plans show the seat back is hinged to the seat ribs approximately 3.05"
forward of the F305 bulkhead, meaning you have a total of 46ish" from bumcrack to firewall.
- From the F305 bulkhead to the firewall is 53" along the top longeron.
- The seatback is 18" wide and 24.375" tall.
- The cockpit width is 24" from skin-skin at both the knees and backside.
- There are approximately 20" from the seatpan to the top longeron and another 18" from the top longeron to the canopy roughly where your head would be for a total seat height of approximately 38". This is slightly variable depending on the cutout of the seat ribs & consequent butt position.
So all up, when compared to the -9, the RV-3 cockpit is between 1" & 5" shorter (dependant on rudder pos'n in the -9, I used Van's published cockpit sizes for the -9 dimensions) and has roughly 3" less headroom.