On 8 Dec 2003 06:16:34 -0800, (Nathan
Young) wrote:

"O. Sami Saydjari" wrote in message ...
Just out of curiosity, what is the fastest single-engine aircraft
available and how fast does it go? -Sami

If you will consider experimentals, the Lancair IV-P is the king.
4-seats, 330mph TAS, pressurized. Price tag is $350-500k depending on
options.

The turbo charged Glasair III is way up there too, but it's only two
seats and a bit more snug than the IV-P. Then again you can pull 4 to
6 Gs without worry either. That is if they were on purpose.:-))


Fastest production is probably the Mooney 252 series (now called
TLS/Bravo). These will do 220 KTAS. For new planes, the pricetag is
similar to the Lancair, although an older 252 would be $150k+.

Don't forget the new Lancair production models. They have cruise
speeds right up there with the conventional, high performance retracts
Over 200 MPH and fixed gear to boot. Meaning a low time pilot with a
big billfold could get insurance. You are still looking at 300 grand
plus, but they sure are nice inside.


An early 1980 A36 TC or turbonormalized will do 200 kts and will have
the six seats. Price is around $200k.

You can also easily spend 250 to 300 grand in the same range.
In 84 they changed to the new, conventional separate yokes instead of
using the throw over, or massive cross bar on the dual yokes. From
there on they start getting expensive.


Keep in mind these are not normal operating speeds, but maximum cruise
speeds. You probably won't make it to 2000hrs after overhaul if you
run the engine at 75% or greater power required to achieve these

You'll get argument here too.
Some, me included, figure an engine will last the longest when
working. Any certified engine should make TBO if flown regularly
whether at 60% or 75%. If they don't have a limitation, they would
probably do as well at 80%.

I run 75%, except for landing, take off, maneuvering and approaches.
I'm nearing TBO and the engine still uses a pint or less in 25 hours.
Not having an oil filter (just a screen to take out the chunks), I
change every 25 hours.

At 75% I can figure an honest 160 knots true on 13.5 to 14 GPH with a
bit of room to spare. A high percentage of the older Bos, be they
straight tail or "V" have had the Deshannon speed mods done such as
the thick, one piece speed sloped windshields and gap seals.

We ran the old Cherokee 180 at 75% as well and it's gone through two
majors and is ready for a new engine. Every time it went way beyond
TBO, but the guys decided to bite the bullet and spend the money at
300 and 500 hours over.

As far as efficiency it's really difficult to beat the old Comanche
180.
speeds.

For the $75-120k pricerange you mentioned, an N thru-V model V35
Bonanza would fit your requirements.

As will the Debonairs with the larger engines and the early F-33s.

Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair?)
www.rogerhalstead.com
Return address modified due to dumb virus checkers

-Nathan