Engineering:Bohannon B-1
| Bohannon B-1 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Homebuilt aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Designer | Bruce Bohannon |
| Number built | 1 |
| Developed from | Van's RV-4 |
The Bohannon B-1 is a purpose-built aircraft to set new world records in its class for time-to-climb. It is a development of the Van's RV-4.[1]
Development
Bohannon and Miller built the Miller-Bohannon JM-2 Pushy Galore to set the new time to climb records and compete in Formula One air racing. Bohannon continued to set records with his new aircraft. He acquired Exxon as a sponsor for record attempts. His B-1 was painted in a stylized tiger paint scheme and named the "Exxon Flyin' Tiger".[2] The aircraft went on to set 30 altitude and time to climb records.[3][4]
Design
The Bohannon B-1 is a low-wing, all-metal single-seat aircraft with conventional landing gear. The Lycoming IO-540 engine is augmented with nitrous oxide to increase power from 260 to 425 hp (194 to 317 kW).[5] For 2001 attempts, a Lycoming IO-555 was installed.[6]
Operational history
The B-1 has set, and beat, its own records several times. The B-1 operates in the FAI C-1b Class. (Piston aircraft 1,102 to 2,205 lb (500 to 1,000 kg)).
- 1999 - Time to climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) record of 2 minutes and 20 seconds.[5]
- 2000 - Time to climb to 6,000 m (19,685 ft) - Six minutes, thirty seven seconds.[7]
- 2001 - Absolute ceiling for a piston engine aircraft - 35,000 ft (10,668 m).[6]
- 2002 - Absolute ceiling - 37,536 ft (11,441 m) [8]
- 2002 - Time to climb to 12,000 m (39,370 ft) in 32 minutes, 2 seconds
- 2002 - Absolute ceiling - 41,300 ft (12,588 m).[9]
- 2003 - Absolute ceiling - 47,067 ft (14 346 m)[10]
Specifications (Bohannon B-1)
Data from Sport Aviation
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming IO-540 horizontally opposed piston, 425 hp (317 kW)
- Propellers: 3-bladed Hartzell
Performance
- Cruise speed: 210 kn (240 mph, 390 km/h)
- Rate of climb: 4,407 ft/min (22.39 m/s) 1999 time to climb record
See also
Related development
- Van's RV-4
References
- ↑ "Bruce Bohannon". November 29, 2002. http://www.avweb.com/news/profiles/181769-1.html. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
- ↑ "What's New". Popular Science: 8. July 1994.
- ↑ "Retirern' Tiger". Archived from the original on 26 February 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130226075332/http://eaa.org/news/2008/2008-12-04_bohannon.asp. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
- ↑ "Bruce Bohannon". http://www.trioavionics.com/bruce_bohannon.htm. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Reporting Points". Flying Magazine: 35. November 1999.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Flying Magazine: 36. July 2001.
- ↑ Flying Magazine: 35. February 2001.
- ↑ Flying Magazine: 36. July 2002.
- ↑ Flying Magazine: 34. February 2003.
- ↑ "Bruce Bohannon (USA) (8082)". October 10, 2017. https://www.fai.org/record/8082.
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