Finally got the proper alignment of the planets (basically test pilot
schedule) for further flight of Velocity 755V – 20B.  Plane was in the air
for ½ hour this time, basically at level cruise orbiting the airport.  OAT
was about 90F and flight was at DA of about 7000’.

Since the first flight when oil temps were high, I added a temporary ram
scoop under the ‘wing root’ oil cooler inlet.  Oil temp reached near 230
during climb but later stabilized at 200 - 205F.  Coolant stabilized at
180-185F.

I have video recording of EM2 display, and this time the pilot remembered to
push the page button, so I have lots of data.  For ‘% power’ readout of
65-70%, engine rpm was 4450, prop 2050 rpm, IAS (according to pilot) was
about 145 kts.  TAS readout on EM2 was 165-170 kts, but my calcs indicate
this is about 5 kts too high.  Fuel burn was indicating 16-18 gph running
rich of peak.

The in-cowl radiator is handling most of the cooling load; with the wing
root rad being very ineffective.  This is consistent with the first flight
results on the oil temps with the matching wing root oil cooler.  The scoop
added for the OC improved the air flow, but it is still marginal, with oil
delta T of about 20F and air delta T of about 100F.  It is likely the main
issue is with the exit fairings.  At least now it flies stably, so I can do
some other changes and see the effects – hopefully get a differential
pressure measurement set up.

Takeoff roll of about 1500’ at 1900# weight is quite good considering fixed
pitch prop.  It accelerates from rolling start to 60-65 kts nose lift in 6-7
seconds.  This with an 85” pitch prop.  Something special about Catto props.

The thing looks and sounds great, and I have to be happy that it went up,
stayed up for ½ hr, and made a perfect landing.  Main issues right now are
on-going problem with EC2 data corruption; apparently unique to my
installation, and possibly ‘noise’ related; and the need for right aileron
input in order to go straight, suggesting a need for wing incidence
adjustment.

Al


Great data Al. Thanks.

Paul Lamar ...No rotor no motor.

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