glasair vs lancair

[jhiflyin]

Hey guys I'm looking to build either a Glasair 1,2,or 3 RG or a lanciar 260. As I have not been able to find either in my area to look at or go or a ride in I was wanting to hear from some people who had them. Do they preform up to what the book says? what engines you have on them, true airspeeds, overall opinion of the planes, etc. Thanks for any info

 

[Bank-n-Yank]

ATMO, the best bang for the buck is an RV-8. However both of the composite planes have much better performance. Out of those two, I would choose the Glasair IIRG with an IO-360, 200hp. *Much* stronger airframe (full carry-thru spar) and a more comfortable cockpit (I'm 6' and 190#). The bigger III is nice (same wing as the II) but requires a more expensive engine.
If I was to build a G IIRG, I would incorporate some of the aero mods that this race team has done: http://www.teamtopsecret.net/
The stock airframe with 180hp should get low 180's TAS @ 9.5gph.

 

[mvedepo]

Look into an F-1 Rocket EVO. GREAT airplane. Its a derivative of the RV-4. Don't let the IO-540 scare you. With the influx of RV-6''s, 7's, and 8's the price of 360's has really gone up. With some patience you can find very low time 540's that are a steal. Plus speed for speed a Rocket and cruise with the RV's all day long and burn approx the same fuel or you can open it up and cruise at 205 kts. Here are a couple sites:

http://teamrocketaircraft.com/
http://www.docthrock.com/
http://vincesrocket.com/ - Not the EVO but some good performance numbers.

Specs:

Top Speed 265 m.p.h.
Cruise Speed 240 m.p.h ( Cruise speed @ 75% power)
Stall Speed 50 m.p.h.
Range @ 55% 1150 sm
Rate of climb sea level 3500 fpm
Take off Distance 300ft
Landing Distance 700ft
Engine used Lycoming IO-540 - Continental 550
HP Range 235-350
Fuel Capacity 52 gal
Empty Weight 1300lbs
Gross Weight 2100 lbs
Length 21'
Wing Span 25' 8"
Wing Area 102 sq. ft.
G. Limit +6 -3 g

 

[CherryBomb]

I had a Lancair 320 with an IO-360 modified to 205 hp. It would cruise at 215 ktas at about 12gph. Mine had the older smaller tail that made it a bit unstable. It also had the older smaller landing gear that made its breaks not very effective and the tires were very small, about 10'' I believe.

I would suggest a slightly newer model with the "outback" landing gear conversion.

Other than that, I loved the airplane. It was fast, docile, and it would blow the doors off an RV-8 and most Glassairs. Plus I think the Lancair is just about as sexy as they come. I do like the F1 Rocket, but the price is sky high...

Ive heard good things about Glassairs, but Ive never flew any.

There are alot of rumors about the Lancair regarding design quality, safety, etc... Most if not all are completely false. It is a great airplane that you will enjoy. Feel free to PM with any questions,

CB