FLIGHT TESTING ON LANCAIR O-320

LANCAIR 0-320  - 2 BLADED PROPELLER

Prior to flight testing a vibration survey was carried out throughout the operating RPM range with no evidence of vibration levels above the set standard of .2 IPS.
Flight testing was conducted at 3000ft and 5000ft AMSL and an immediate increase in top speed of 21 mph was observed over the 3 bladed propeller.
Increase in speed was mainly attributed to latest state of the art aerofoil design.
The propeller was subsequently removed and reinstalled on the Lancair 0-235.

Installation on Lancair 0-320

Installation on Lancair 0-235

LANCAIR 0-320  - RB 4000 - 4  BLADED PROPELLER

This 4 bladed propeller was designed for lycoming 0-360 and other engines up to 220 hp. Because of the 150hp output of the Lycoming 0-320 the blades had to be trimmed from 68' to 64" diameter.
No precise comparison could be made with the two bladed propeller, however top speed was 5 mph less but takeoff and rate of climb were up.
Extensive ground and inflight vibration survey was carried out.
Flight testing consisted of take-off time, rate of climb, cruise and top speed at full throttle and reduced power settings.  Top speed obtained was 240 mph in a shallow dive.

Installation on Lancair 0-320

RB 4000 Model

The 4 bladed propeller gives a better take-off, rate of climb and a pronounced breaking effect on final.