Thomas Parkes wrote:

Paul:

Mark's request for the weights of my 20B installation reminded me that I had
kept detailed weights of practically everything FWF but hadn't found the
opportunity to share the info with the group.  Total weight of my
installation came to 442 lbs, with maybe a few pieces of baffling and a few
bolts not counted.  So I'll call it 450 lbs +/- 5 dry installed weight.  To
this you'll have to add 2.5 gal coolant and 8 qts oil.  The turbo and
exhaust system account for 45 lbs of the total.

What makes all this very interesting is the fact that my hanger neighbor
also built a Lancair ES.  He installed an IO-550, which has almost exactly
the same installed weight as my 20B, turbo and liquids included!

My empty weight came out at 1864 lbs, his 1942 lbs.  52 lbs of the
difference is in the prop (my IVO Magnum weighs 26 lbs, his Hartzell 78-80
lbs), the balance is accounted for by his full IFR panel and autopilot--mine
is barebones VFR until finances improve.

Mark asked about battery location: I have a dual 17 AH Panasonic battery box
located on the bulkhead immediately behind the baggage compartment (directly
under the hat shelf).  Each battery weighs 14.3 lbs.  I also installed a
cabin fresh air fan aft of the batteries and the 2.4 lb ELT against the
extreme aft bulkhead.

My empty CG is 1.0 inch forward of the forward CG limit.  With pilot, 10
gallons of fuel (emergency fuel state) and a 20 lb survival kit, we're
within the CG envelope.  Any additional fuel (92 gallons total) and baggage
(up to 150 lbs) just improves the situation.  Can't get out of the CG aft
without exceeding 3400 GW.

On my first flights I carried 40 gallons fuel and ran out of elevator trim
(full nose up) at about 80 knots on short final.  The elevator was very
effective in the flare and control forces comfortable.

A quick note about the IVO Magnum prop.  I fully understand the pros and
cons of the IVO.  I just couldn't see laying out an extra $10,000 (that I
didn't have) for an MT, when there was a possibility that the LAEV prop
might become available in a year or two.  One thing is sure: when I do
upgrade to the LAEV, MT, or some other future prop, I'll be able to compute
exactly what each additional knot costs--i.e. $XX per knot performance gain.

For all you ES builders out there, the plane handles wonderfully.  The
controls are light and responsive.  Aileron forces are definitely lighter
than on the factory prototype.  Keep building, the results are worth all the
trouble.

Tom Parkes

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