Can a 80" prop be used on a RV8? Contact [email protected] Thanks
With the RV-8, on takeoff, you push the stick forward to get the tail up. If you overdo it, I guess you could cause a prop strike.... I've been puzzled by Vans suggestion of a 72" prop for the -8, but 74" for the 8A.
Seems to me that the taildragger should accomodate at least as much prop as the nose wheel.
What did you find out?
I've been puzzled by Vans suggestion of a 72" prop for the -8, but 74" for the 8A.
Seems to me that the taildragger should accomodate at least as much prop as the nose wheel.
And from the Van's Hartzell Prop Order Form:
"Propeller size note:
- The 74" blade diameter propellers are applicable to all "A" model RVs plus the RV-8.
- The 72" blade diameter propellers are recommended for all tailwheel aircraft (except the RV-8 as noted above) to ensure adaquate ground clearance for those models."
So both diameters are applicable for the RV-8 per Van's.
The short answer, no. Do not use an 80” prop on an RV-8.
Keep in mind the standard RV-8 gear gives way on hard landings, taking the prop closer to the pavement - so the recommendation to use the 72” prop. The nose gear on the 8A mitigates this problem.
That said, I have the very nice 74” prop on my RV-8. I note that the Grove gear gains me 1” to 2” of height over the stock gear comparing against another RV-8 spinnner to ground measurement.
Carl
What does the 74 inch prop do better than the 72? Does it pull better in climb but sacrifice speed? Or is it better on the top speed too?
What does the 74 inch prop do better than the 72? Does it pull better in climb but sacrifice speed? Or is it better on the top speed too?