Recent Performance Numbers
Cruise Data
I recently had the opportunity to take the Bull Moose on a cross country trip across Washington State and the Cascade Mountains. Briefly, westbound we cruised at 12,500, and for the eastbound return at 11,500. Both days averaged +10C at altitude. For each leg the power settings varied from 18"-20" MP, engine rpm at 4,000, prop approximately 2,000 rpm. True Airspeed for each leg ranged from 175 mph to 178 mph TAS. Fuel burn ranged from 15-17 gph. These numbers are proving to be consistent for lower altitudes as well with of course higher manifold pressure available if the desire is to cruise at those speeds.
Climb Data
Take off weight: 3,200 lbs.
Elevation: 50' MSL
Temperature: 74 F
Sustained ROC: 1,500 fpm using cruise climb at Indicated Airspeed of 110 mph. Typical initial climb uses
4,500 engine rpm (2,250 prop), while cruise climb uses 4250 engine rpm (2125 prop).
NOTE: These are observed numbers during the course of a normal flight.
Specifications and Performance
EARLIER ANNOUNCEMENT….INSTALLMENT ONE
As announced recently, we are now being able to take the time to do some controlled recording of performance data on the Bull Moose. Various components will be gathered as we are able and will be published shortly thereafter. As you all appreciate, there are any number of variables involved in performance and we are simply unable to measure each of those, but rather will give some measured general data from which you may do some extrapolating to determine areas of your specific interest. We always welcome questions to give you the most accurate information possible for various scenarios.
Here is the first installment of many to give you real world numbers to consider for the Bull Moose.
TAKE OFF PERFORMANCE:
Elevation: 2100’ MSL
Temperature: 76 F
Wind: Quartering tail wind 10 kts.
Aircraft Weight: 2,820 lbs (Empty weight 2036 lbs, Gross weight 3,500 lbs.)
Aircraft Configuration: Some minor increased drag with our Horizontal Strut Brace, 26” tires, no VG’s, 20 degrees flaps, 5200 engine rpm (2,600 prop), 28” MP
Take off roll: 475’
ROC at cruise climb of 100 mph, 4,500 rpm (2,250 prop) 22" MP: 1,500 fpm; 90 mph indicated 1,800 fpm; 70 mph indicated 2,000 fpm. NOTE: some variations indicated under somewhat choppy winds aloft conditions, so these figures should be considered as general ball park only.
As an interesting comparison, the check pilot helping to collect our data later departed in his well equipped 300 HP Cessna 185 with installed leading edge cuffs and VG's. His take off weight was approximately 2,400 lbs. His ground roll under the same conditions described above was 575’.
The point is not to suggest "We're better", but to simply provide comparative information with another outstanding backcountry aircraft.