Radial RV-8R: "A Poor Man's Hellcat"
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- 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.
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!
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.
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.!
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
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 !
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
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.
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!
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 conversion! Very well done. Happy flying!
Not really into planes but you got to admire anybody who completes a project that size
"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
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 ??
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.
Love the Laser alignment being used at 3:34. Critical dimensions can be maintained spot on! 🤠🧐
Absolutely awesome build!! And yes, who doesn't love the sound of a radial engine?!
WTG Brian, what a beautiful job. Congratulations on sticking with it. Great concept and engineering, not to mention the coolest RV-6 EVER.
rv8
"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.
fantastic work, and its been great following the build via facebook. awesome to see it fly.
I love round engines, and I love EVERYTHING about this project.
except the rotec lol
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...
Nice job Brian. It's come a long way since I saw you last.
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
I love it ! Congratulations to the builder on such a fantastic project
Very nice job, and great attention to detail on the cowling ducting! Hope to see it in person someday!
Awesome job on a unique project. Top marks from me!!!
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 ;)
Nice build. You have balls of steel.
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.
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.
Wonderful story...! Thanks for sharing.... Your frank humor goes a long way.... Thanks for a very nive Vid.... Gordon
Beautiful job Brian!
That is incredibly cool Brian!
Love the dream ad the finished project !!!! I can not wait to see it fly !!!!
Beautiful aircraft sir! I enjoyed the run down of how you put it all together.
Awesome concept, great job. Thanks for sharing. Definitely different and cool.
Very cool. Nicely done. Beautiful aircraft.
That radial engine sounds awesome. The V8 of the skies.
Radial is not equal to V8
@@flexairz The sound. The appeal of the sound. That is what I was referring to.
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.
What a plane, must sound awesome too. A great build!
Beautiful piece love the sound. Thanks for sharing
Nice, and damn near everybody loves the sound of a radial engine.. may be a tad more power, but still a really beauty.
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
Very cool plane! It's more like a scaled down Radial Rocket than a Bearcat!
You are a Craftsman, well done!
Great looking bird. Congratulations on the successful build. 👍👍👍
Mr. Brian, I express my admiration !!!
Awesome, simply awesome!
Looks and sounds amazing!
Amazing Job. Love the concept
Beauty. Add videos of the aircraft once she is flying!
Awesome build thanks for sharing
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
That is so cool! Beautiful work! Sounds fantastic. Cheers from The Flight Level.
Wonderful project! Congratulations!
beautiful looking plane
Wonderful, the dream is yours!
Everything should work just fine.. but the engine , Beautiful work I hope the engine itself won’t turn into a nightmare !
loic doré I am almost certain that it will become a nightmare.
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.
it looks and sounds great!!!
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
Awesome job Brian
Good job Man! Happy landings and greetings from a fellow aviator from faraway Finland.
Wow. That is a beautiful airplane!
What an incredible project! Love it!!!
Great job. She's beautiful.
Absolutely awesome job mate. Love that ur using Aussie engine. 👍
What a beautiful plane!
wtf this guy built his own plane??? major respect
Awesome! Good job sir.
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 a beautiful aircraft.
Thanks!
Great Job and Vision
Beautiful job !
Very nice! Looks more Bearcat except the landing gear. The cowling looks Ki 84 "Frank".
I can't be the only one here that was expecting a poor man's CHALLENGER Hellcat....
Looks Awesome!
Beautiful!
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.
Me being a car guy: "How the hell is an airplane cheaper than a Dodge Hellcat?"
Me realizing I'm an idiot: "Oh yeah, F6F Hellcat...one of my favorite War Thunder airplanes" (even though it, and all other American planes, are garbage in that game, annoyingly).
One day I'd love to fly/fly in a plane like this! The attention to detail necessary for something like this is just amazing. I recently watched a documentary on Netflix of a British man who restored a Hurricane...the amount of knowledge and patience required is incredible.
What an amazing aircraft
...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!
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
It's awesome. 150hp is a far cry from 2,000 but still looks cool.
Sounds like a hugely fun but challenging project. Will there be a longer video about flying it?
that is a awesome looking airplane.
I would just love to fly and own an airplane like that. That's my dream.
Great, kool project though. Simply outstanding:)....
this rocks man love hellcats and radial engines l awesome
Can you explain more detail about the prop ? I understood the why you couldn’t have the long prop but did not understand the the maths side , it’s very interesting
super cool!
Super cool!
Amazing build! I love these videos!
Cool project ! Have you tried bigger wheels to get more clearance for the propeller ?
Okay, glad I'm not the only one expecting a car, and not an airplane...lmao.
Is this beauty airborne yet? I have not heard great things about that engine. Good luck.
Nothing but awesome