Radial RV-8R: "A Poor Man's Hellcat"
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ม.ค. 2016
- We were thrilled to congratulate Brian Kelly, EAA 578554, whose unique RV-8R made a successful first flight January 12 at the Spruce Creek airpark in Florida. The airplane, which Kelly calls a “poor man’s Hellcat,” bears a Navy paint scheme and is powered by a Rotec R-3600 radial engine. We’ll be publishing the full story in a future issue of Sport Aviation magazine, but, in the meantime, here’s a look behind-the-scenes at the workmanship that’s gone into this remarkable project.
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This IS a "poor man's Hellcat". People in the comments don't understand that an actual Hellcat is WAY more expensive than this RV-8R. It's all relative…and it's a figure of speech. If a Hellcat costs $2,000,000 and this plane costs $90,000….it's a "poor man's Hellcat". Everyone who owns an airplane isn't "rich". You can buy a nice Cessna 150 for under $20,000. Some folks get 5 people together and buy one. Having $4,000 doesn't make you "rich". All this class warfare going on in the comment section about a cool plane that some guy SACRIFICED and built is ridiculous. I think it's awesome!
quinnjim Totally agree.. love that people can realise their dreams
Some people are Anal about mere wording/phrases. The sheer beauty of this aircraft speaks for itself ~ GREAT ACHIEVEMENT!!!🇺🇸
Well said.
They're unhappy with their lives and cruise TH-cam looking for reasons to get mad. They're trolls that don't appreciate the engineering of this aircraft.
Bingo!
rotec is known for being the best engine to have an off field landing with.
Dead right there...rotec even have the audacity to post video of their assembly methods...omg!
Get Verner
Errol Churton I’ve heard that from more than one person. Unfortunate.
Anyone know if this plane is still flying? I’ve heard that 50 hrs in a Rotec is rare.
Kkkkkkkk really sad but is true. Sad because rotary engines are amazing. The private aviation needs a reliable radial engine
This is a beautiful project! The sound and feel of a radial engine, is something that we need to preserve, in our culture.
That rotec is the biggest deathtrap on the market. Its not A real lycoming contenental type . Its from austrialia and almost killed one of my friends
This guy may have shot himself in the foot getting a rotec, I hear they barely last over 40 hours without failing mid flight
@@fortcrafterbossbehold9027 - Did you Research rotec Crash Statistics, or Just Hangar Flying War Stories?
Radial engines have so much more character compared to turbines. They are a piece of art.
Ya, but not a Rotec. The reality of this situation is the motor IS GOING TO FAIL mid flight. It's a Rotec, look into them. They are death traps.
@@cluelessbeekeeping1322 Well, that´s an engine with character
@@diegomayan Oh God! You got me there! ; )
ROtEC are death traps
Rotec are pieces of something but its not art lol.
For all the people crying that homeless people cannot afford this, "poor man's______" is an expression meaning this plane cost probably 1/10th of what an F6F Hellcat would cost, if you manage to find one for sale.
Look up private aircraft ownership in Alaska; you don't have to be Bill Gates to own an airplane, you DO have to be dedicated. It's certainly not free...
I doubt the homeless are most concerned with getting a plane. Higher priorities when you're living rough. What a crazy criticism. There are always going to be those who can afford what the rest of us can't. I can't buy a car but I'm considered rich compared to some, at least I have a roof over my head, and internet access, it's all relative. And what are those critics trying to say, even though you can afford a plane, you shouldn't buy one if there's anyone else who can't? Ridiculous. In times of disparate wealth there will only eventually be change if the "haves" are spending so eventually the "have nots" can share in it. That's the economic world we live in, for better or worse.
Homeless dont need to fly they need jobs
Amazing conversion! Very well done. Happy flying!
Wonderful story and a remarkable re-sculpted RV with a radial, no less, that being said, the photograph of you and your dad standing next to your plane and the look on your dad's face, his smile for his son and his accomplishments....terrific stuff...thanks
Congratulations, for bringing such an enormous challenge to fruition !
Brian, you have my profound respect for what you did. I’m building an RV-14 and it is a challenge. Let alone “modify” one like you did. Congratulation.!
fantastic work, and its been great following the build via facebook. awesome to see it fly.
that thing sure as hell looks fast. LOVE IT!!! Awesome fabrication work!!
It looks like a F8F Bearcat but it's still gorgeous
+96 Alpha Agreed, it shouldn't have been too hard to make a taller more tapered fin and rudder to get the look.
Great effort though.
96 Alpha, at some point I had to put an end to the mods and just fly the thing. Also I was going for F6F look. The tail on the RV-8 already closely resembled that shape. Although we did discuss changing the top fairing of the vertical to exactly match the shape. We decided against this as the time needed to analyze he structural implications of a taller vertical didn't make sense.
Hi, RV-8R.
As a guy who has done more kinds of job that sounds credible (mostly in engineering, at a hands-dirty craft level) I am very definitely impressed by the sheer doggedness it must have taken to complete what was a considerable challenge. I mean how many challenges can you get in one project-lemme see-physical, intellectual, emotional, social, familial, design, craftsmanship, time, and fiscal.
Given your day job, maybe the last mentioned wasn’t too much of a stretch, but getting the time?
I know you travel through time ZONES in your job, but too get all that done you must have invented a time machine!
For interest, how much of the hands-dirty, “blue collar” work did you do yourself, and how did you acquire the skills if you did a lot?
Either ways up, kudos to you for a mammoth task accomplished, and safe and happy flying to you, from George in Scotland.
PS.
When do we get to see it fly?
George, thank you for your kind comments. First, the only reason that this project exists is due to my very understanding and supportive wife. We live on an airpark, so that eliminates a lot of travel time to the project. Also when taking on something like this there are two rules of time management. First is minutes matter. Second is do something every day, no matter how big or small. Those two rules will always see a project through to completion. Second, I did all of the work myself. The only things that I paid to have done were the XComm radio harness and the engine mount. Everything else including all of the fiberglass and paint we did ourselves. If you look up my TH-cam page, Rv-8r, you can see many videos of the aircraft flying.
MEELO 14 ??
Awesome job on a unique project. Top marks from me!!!
I love it ! Congratulations to the builder on such a fantastic project
You said it best "Who doesn't love the sound of a radial engine?"! I would be proud to be able to fly in that beautiful plane anywhere!
WTG Brian, what a beautiful job. Congratulations on sticking with it. Great concept and engineering, not to mention the coolest RV-6 EVER.
rv8
Absolutely awesome build!! And yes, who doesn't love the sound of a radial engine?!
"would I do it again? No. "
Haha! that's an honest man who's had a great time building his dream 👍
Maybe without the rotec lol
This has to be my favorite RV of all time,they are great planes but as you said they are all alike and it's hard to love them unless you're flying one.It's hard to find fault with them because they perform so well.............That Rotec and and all the work you have done has made for a timeless classic design that I see others trying to duplicate in the near future.Rotec and Vans probably should be cutting you a commission check in the near future ;)
Neat!! It is my understanding that my great uncle was an F6F Ace, he was on the Princeton when it was attacked and was forced to abandon ship. VF27.
I hope that Rotec engine proves to be reliable. I've read some horror stories about the R3600 with poor factory support. Nice plane. I hope it all works out for you.
Awesome concept, great job. Thanks for sharing. Definitely different and cool.
Very nice job, and great attention to detail on the cowling ducting! Hope to see it in person someday!
Nice job Brian. It's come a long way since I saw you last.
Congratulations sir on creating such a beautiful and unique airplane,your dedication has paid off,that engine fits like a glove,many happy hours flying in the future for youand thank you for sharing your vishion.
Very cool. Nicely done. Beautiful aircraft.
Beautiful aircraft sir! I enjoyed the run down of how you put it all together.
Beautiful piece love the sound. Thanks for sharing
That is so cool! Beautiful work! Sounds fantastic. Cheers from The Flight Level.
Wonderful project! Congratulations!
Beautiful job Brian!
Wonderful story...! Thanks for sharing.... Your frank humor goes a long way.... Thanks for a very nive Vid.... Gordon
Great looking bird. Congratulations on the successful build. 👍👍👍
There should be a love this button instead of just like and dislike! Nothing sounds as good as a well tuned radial engine!!! Two Thumbs Up for the RV-8R!!!
Amazing build! I love these videos!
Nice build. You have balls of steel.
What an incredible project! Love it!!!
What a plane, must sound awesome too. A great build!
I love round engines, and I love EVERYTHING about this project.
except the rotec lol
Love the dream ad the finished project !!!! I can not wait to see it fly !!!!
"Who doesn't love the sound of a radial engine"... how true that is :)
The rotec owner sure does like to treat his customers like dog shit . after they wreck the plane that is.
You are a Craftsman, well done!
That is incredibly cool Brian!
Awesome build thanks for sharing
Not really into planes but you got to admire anybody who completes a project that size
Good job Man! Happy landings and greetings from a fellow aviator from faraway Finland.
it looks and sounds great!!!
Amazing Job. Love the concept
I've been working for "the" german airline, per se, for almost three decades, and still am .... but this is the first time i hear some experimental guy talk about ducted air into radial engine ... it is music in my ears ... really ! my uncle built one RV-8 with some friends ... and he was always complaining about how difficult it is to build it, how there is practically no margin for error, and how much it will cost you do correct it ,(talking about the air frame)...
so thumbs up ... this guy seems so confident and relaxed about his RV -8 project that makes me wonder ....
and yes, the radial engine is way cooler the the lycoming
Beautiful!
You've reached Your Goal, It's definately different, good job! Nice looking Aircraft.. :D
Looks and sounds amazing!
Very cool plane! It's more like a scaled down Radial Rocket than a Bearcat!
Mr. Brian, I express my admiration !!!
Great job. She's beautiful.
Holy crap, I worked with this dude. Saw pictures of it aa he was building it. Nice to see it finally completed. Good work.
Sghian thanks! Where did we work together?
RV-8R you know me as Freedom.
Wow. That is a beautiful airplane!
Beautiful job !
Awesome! Good job sir.
Absolutely awesome job mate. Love that ur using Aussie engine. 👍
Love the Laser alignment being used at 3:34. Critical dimensions can be maintained spot on! 🤠🧐
beautiful looking plane
Sounds like a hugely fun but challenging project. Will there be a longer video about flying it?
Looks Awesome!
Nice, and damn near everybody loves the sound of a radial engine.. may be a tad more power, but still a really beauty.
Awesome, simply awesome!
So freaking awesome!!
What a beautiful plane!
Great Job and Vision
Recently purchased a 1980 Cessna Skyhawk with 2500 engine hours good condition hope to get this beast in the air with enough flying hours
Its not A rotec so should last 3,000 more . Good luck
Wonderful, the dream is yours!
Awesome job Brian
Beautiful plane. Thanks for sharing. Hats off to the builder. Sad to see so many negative comments. Most of the pilots I know have a very positive approach to life. Negativity goes hand and hand with 'wanna be', but never tried.
The only negative bit is that engine though, these things are death traps they fail left and right. Look it up...
Specifically Rotec sourced radials...
My father built N3RT a SX300 that i believe is based in Spruce creek. It's a EAA Grand champion. Your RV is at a high level of build quality.
this rocks man love hellcats and radial engines l awesome
You are a skilled man and persistent too. Nice aircraft. Beautiful daughter too.
Robert pendergast. Skillled my ass, too much money and time on his hands. Notice how often he refrenced the work as "we did this" but he is spotless clean in every picture.
+Jeff Knebel Wow what a jealous twit! You sound just like a jealous woman! There is alway someone in the crowd that has to piss all over a good thing! Your are definitely a dream killer!
Jeff Knebel Maybe he worked his butt off and this beautiful plane was his result. You need to grow up and leave your petty nonsense behind already.
This is a really good video,
Great, kool project though. Simply outstanding:)....
Beauty. Add videos of the aircraft once she is flying!
that is a awesome looking airplane.
Well the paint looks right for a late war Hellcat but regardless of whether it actually looks like an F6F it sure looks cool, and I love radials so yeah buddy! Good job.
Iknow
9
Is this beauty airborne yet? I have not heard great things about that engine. Good luck.
Didn't think radial engines were even made anymore, learn something new every day, I guess.
Rotec shouldnt be made anymore . Deathtraps the stock motor would have been safer.
@@g6rcteam81
You fly authentic equipment, you take authentic risks, that's flying.
@@Shipwright1918 Look into the rotec on you tube I think you will agree .They are A joke and under investigation.
Great job! I would like to ask,since it is a hybrid plane,why not extend the landing gear for the 80 inch prop rather than modify the engine for a smaller prop?Obviously not my field but I love planes and am just curious.
What an amazing aircraft
Nice job brother...
The Rotec engine has a history of failure due to the plastic accessory gears ,aluminum valve rockers , inserts , push tubes and lifters. Also there are oil pump issues. The 2 I saw one failed within 10 hours the other got 150 hours with two in flight failures . When you have to replace the Rotec engine give a thought to Verner radial engine. Looks good great video. We have a Stearman an L-3 and a 172rg
how's the reliability with the radial from rotec?
there are many reliability issues with Rotec engines...not serious built...so bad that the russians from Vedeneyev who made excellent engines,not make small radial engines like this...
@@leneanderthalien good info, thank you :)
Please do not take rumours and words with no evidence as “good info”. The world has gone wrong some people just want to destroy hard working man’s reputation without even get to know the facts better.
@@lancenetworkv5938 Try look for Lynn Matteson, he has a rotec engine and he flew for a significant time.
@@TheNadjalo if you're under the impression that saying good info negates further research, stop and think it through. The inquiry I made here was followed with a lot more research. Nearly all of the pilots and instructors had the same poor opinion of the brand. Z
I would just love to fly and own an airplane like that. That's my dream.
Very cool.
So dope, nice!
super cool!
...beautiful aircraft brother, absolutely beautiful. I'm with you when it comes to the sound of a radial; nothing like it. Well, maybe a smaller remake of the 12 cylinder copy of the Rolls Royce Merlin, but that would be the only exception. By the way, kudos to your exceptional craftsmanship. Sir, I envy your talent. God bless and GOOD FLYING!
Great Job!!! Swarm On ...
Beautiful plane, sure reminds me of a Yak 54 though.
Cool project ! Have you tried bigger wheels to get more clearance for the propeller ?
awesome !
To me this reminds me more of the Corsair nose cowling wise..I know it doesn't have the same downswept wing profile...but very pretty in it's own right
Awesome!
Now that it has been 4 years, what is your opinion of the dependability of the rotac radial???