Bohannon B-1

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]

Bohannon B-1
Role Homebuilt aircraft
National origin United States
Designer Bruce Bohannon
Number built 1
Developed from Van's RV-4

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 30 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.[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

References
  1. "Bruce Bohannon". Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  2. Popular Science: 8. July 1994. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. "Retirern' Tiger". Archived from the original on 26 February 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  4. "Bruce Bohannon". Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  5. Flying Magazine: 35. November 1999. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. Flying Magazine: 36. July 2001. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  7. Flying Magazine: 35. February 2001. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  8. Flying Magazine: 36. July 2002. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  9. Flying Magazine: 34. February 2003. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  10. "Bruce Bohannon (USA) (8082)". www.fai.org. October 10, 2017.
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