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Bohannon B 1

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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.

Contents

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". The aircraft went on to set 17 altitude and time to climb records.

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). For 2001 attempts, a Lycoming IO-555 was installed.

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.
  • 2000 - Time to climb to 6,000 m (19,685 ft) - Six minutes, thirty seven seconds.
  • 2001 - Absolute ceiling for a piston engine aircraft - 35,000 ft (10,668 m).
  • 2002 - Absolute ceiling - 37,536 ft (11,441 m)
  • 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).

    • 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: 209 kn; 386 km/h (240 mph)
  • Rate of climb: 4,407 ft/min (22.39 m/s) 1999 time to climb record

    • References

    Bohannon B-1 Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA


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