RV4

This is an RV-4, an Experimental amateur-built aircraft.

I started building this aircraft on Friday, April 13, 1990, and the first flight was May 26, 2008.

Details...

New Lycoming 0-360 (180 hp)
New Hartzell constant speed prop
Grand Rapids dual screen "glass panel" system with EFIS, GPS map, and graphic engine monitor.
XM weather
TIS traffic
TruTrak ADI Pilot II digital autopilot with altitude hold
Garmin SL40 Comm with intercom
Garmin GTX 330 transponder with mode S
Garmin 496 GPS
Angle of attack indicator
Oregon Aero seats
Hooker 5 pt harnesses
Vetterman stainless steel exhaust system
Electric flaps with positioning system
Landing lights & strobes
LED Nav lights and panel lights
Reiff engine preheat system (of course)
All that and only 1014 lbs EW !!
Goes like heck!! (Top speed 217 mph, solo climb rate 2500 fpm)

This table is interesting...

RV-4

C-172

P-51D

Gross Weight

1500

2550

12100

Wing area

110

174

233

180

1490

Wing loading (lb/sq ft)

13.6

14.7

Power loading (lb/hp)

8.3

14.2

8.1

Notice the RV-4 has wing loading similar to a Cessna 172, but a power loading similar to a P-51 Mustang!

See here for more info about the RV-4 model

RV4 going really fast. Note the ground speed on the upper left corner of the Garmin 496 GPS. There may have been a bit of tailwind.

Lycoming O-360 with the Reiff preheat system installed. The main harness runs across the top of the crankcase, and the band heaters are around the cylinders. The oil sump heater is not shown. Note the AC plug just inside the right side cooling air inlet.

Behind the instrument panel

The wing tip strobes are Whelen units for law enforcement & emergency vehicles. Much cheaper than aircraft units, but are very similar in appearance and power specs. $190 for power supply, cables, and 4 strobes.

The wing tip nav lights are automotive LED light bulbs with 1156 type socket. Simple & cheap. Compared to standard light bulbs LED's use much less current, run cooler, tolerate vibration better, and last longer. 45636 ($12) is what I used but it looks like there are other good options now such as 47615.
Sockets... NAPA LS6219, $6.49. This unit mounts flush and has two screw type terminals.

The tail light is a Whelen A500-14 nav/strobe combo.