A new video from AOPA Live details a head-to-head performance contest between two of the most capable and popular single-engine, four-seat airplanes on the market: The FAA-certified Cirrus SR22 and the Experimental Van’s Aircraft RV-10.
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Let’s actually review the safety and “sophistication”.(not quite sure what that means, however, will try)..
Safety features first. The main difference that is obvious between and RV-10 and the Cirrus that people will refer to is the Parachute, which if you want to add to an RV-10 you can. However, the jury is still out as to its real life benefits, as deployments can be premature to a properly performed emergency landing. As to the rest, avionics, engine are all on par with each other. Same technology and capabilities for each. If you want a Garmin stack, coupled autopilots etc..no problems.
Now lets look at the downsides of the Cirrus: Wing type and tail control surfaces, all lower lift and/or pressure per square inch, leading to higher potential for loss of control at lower speeds. This is confirmed with the stall speeds. BTW: This is where most accidents occur…low speeds around stall. Sounds like the Cirrus maybe the one that is less safe.
Now to sophistication. That is interesting statement and I am sure it will be relative to the individual building the aircraft. Have a look at a few of the high end RV-10’s with internal layouts fit for private jets…. You might be surprised. But the point here is what do you want for your requirements.
On price, yes, there is no pricing added for hourly rate for the build. Got me there. And I would expect that this will be in the vicinity of 2-2,500 hours. At AUD$30/hr, $75,000. But lets round up to $100,000. This would still be AUD$200-$300k better off than the Cirrus.
I have a an RV-10. It is not fit out to the levels of the best of them from a interior upholstery perspective, but very, very comfortable long range aircraft. Full IFR, Night, high levels etc…
Technology fit out: Brand New everything: Lycoming IO-540 Thunderbolt Factory Engine (NOTE: Higher quality and tolerance engine that default certified factory engine). Dual electrical failover systems: electronic fuse and manual fuse based systems with various load-shed capability, Dual EFIS, Certified GPS with dual GPS backup, Dual Comms, Dual Batteries and fail/cutover options, Dual Magnetos PLUS Electronic Ignition system over an above that as primary system, internally plumbed oxygen AND “State of the art” LED lighting systems that significantly exceed commercial aircraft lighting. (E.g. 17,000 Lumen of landing Lights.) What else do you need? I’m not quite sure, I ran out of options.
Does the standard Cirrus have this level of “Safety and sophistication”?
Remember, be very careful when you make a statement that you do your research first.
I have a Glasair 1RG with a larger than normal engine. 245 hp CS prop Carry 62 gallons of fuel 2 X 200 lb guys plus 100 lbs baggage. Cruise 190 kts at 11,500 ft burning 8.5 gph ROP.
Hahahaha …..limited market to sell an RV-10. Try to find one for sale. When they come up they dont last long. There is a reason there are more RVs flying new each year than ALL the certified single engine piston manufacturers combined. Sophistication and safety features are wide open to whatever one is inclined to add in the experimental aircraft and not limited to an STC. I too was a naysayer to the experimental world till I bought one and got out of the certified spam can I had before.
They didn’t compare the price! RV-10 wins that one hands down as well……..
This is apples and oranges… The RV is non-certified, home-built…lacks sophistication and safety features. Price is also non-comprable unless you add-in the TIME it takes to build one yourself. Then you have a limited market to resell into since the new owner has to trust the builder.
I’d take an RV-10 any day!