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 new time to climb records and compete in Formula One air racing. Bohannon set out to continue time to climb records with a 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 17 altitude and time to climb records.[3][4]
Design
The Bohannon B-1 is an all-metal single place, low-wing 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.[7]
- 2000 - Time to climb to 6,000 m (19,685 ft) - Six minutes, thirty seven seconds.[8]
- 2001 - Absolute ceiling for a piston engine aircraft - 35,000 ft (10,668 m).[9]
- 2002 - Absolute ceiling - 37,536 ft (11,441 m) [10]
- 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).[11]
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: 209 kn; 386 km/h (240 mph)
- Rate of climb: 4,407 ft/min (22.39 m/s) 1999 time to climb record
See also
- Related development
References
- ↑ "Bruce Bohannon". Retrieved 20 August 2012.
- ↑ Popular Science: 8. July 1994. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - ↑ "Retirern' Tiger". Archived from the original on 26 February 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
- ↑ "Bruce Bohannon". Retrieved 21 August 2012.
- ↑ Flying Magazine: 35. November 1999. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - ↑ Flying Magazine: 36. July 2001. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - ↑ Flying Magazine: 35. November 1999. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - ↑ Flying Magazine: 35. February 2001. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - ↑ Flying Magazine: 36. July 2001. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - ↑ Flying Magazine: 36. July 2002. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - ↑ Flying Magazine: 34. February 2003. Missing or empty
|title=(help)