The RV-10 is a four-place, single-engine experimental aircraft powered by a Lycoming YIO-540-D4A5 six-cylinder reciprocating engine driving a Whirlwind constant-speed propeller. The aircraft is primarily constructed of alclad aluminum using flush rivets to the maximum extent possible. N720AK is operated under FAA Experimental Amateur-Built rules.
For aircraft systems descriptions see Section 8. For systems-reference detail beyond what is needed for normal operation, see the sys-*.md pages.
Dimension Value
Wing Span 32’ 9“ Length 25’ Height 8’ 8“ Wing Area 147 sq. ft. Wing Airfoil Custom (coordinates in docs/rv10-airfoil-coordinates.txt)
Specification Value
Wing Span 32’ 9“ Length 25’ Wing Area 147 sq. ft. Empty Weight (2025-11-18) 1,643 lbs Gross Weight 2,700 lbs Useful Load 1,057 lbs Wing Loading (Gross) 18.4 lbs/sq. ft. Power Loading (Gross) 10.4 lbs/HP Engine Lycoming YIO-540-D4A5, 260 HP @ 2,700 RPM Propeller Whirlwind WWA-RV10, 2-blade, 80“ constant-speed Fuel Capacity 60 U.S. gal (59 usable) Baggage Capacity 150 lbs
Van’s published numbers for the RV-10 with a 260 HP engine. Cruise figures at 8,000 ft. Speeds are KTAS unless noted.
Performance Light (2,200 lbs) Gross (2,700 lbs)
Top Speed 183 KTAS 181 KTAS Cruise (75%) 175 KTAS 171 KTAS Cruise (55%) 156 KTAS 153 KTAS Stall Speed 50 KIAS 55 KIAS Rate of Climb 1,950 fpm 1,450 fpm Ceiling 24,000 ft 20,000 ft Takeoff Distance 360 ft 500 ft Landing Distance 525 ft 650 ft Range (75%) — 717 NM Range (55%) — 869 NM
N720AK-specific test stalls: V~S0~ 48 / V~S~ 56 / V~S1~ 61 KIAS at ~2,190 lb test weight (see Section 2).
Parameter Value
Manufacturer Lycoming Model YIO-540-D4A5 Serial Number EL-36315-48E Rated Horsepower 260 HP Rated Speed 2,700 RPM Type 6-cylinder, horizontally opposed, fuel-injected, normally aspirated, air-cooled, direct drive Firing Order 1-4-5-2-3-6 Bore 5.125“ Stroke 4.375“ Displacement 541.5 cu in Compression Ratio 9:1 (N720AK as configured for EFII System32) Spark Plug Gap 0.016“ – 0.022“
Fuel injection and ignition are managed by the EFII System32 electronic engine management system (dual ECU); see sys-73-efii.md . The mechanical engine reference is in sys-71-engine.md .
Parameter Value
Manufacturer Whirlwind Aviation, 1 Propeller Place, Piqua OH 45356 Model WWA-RV10 Type Constant-speed Blades 2 Length 80“ Weight 44 lbs Hub Serial Number RV10-366 Blade Serial Numbers RV10-443, RV10-444 Date of Manufacture 2017-10-12 Low Pitch 12.8° High Pitch 35.1° Governor Aero Technologies (Jihostroj) PCU5000X
Parameter Value
Fuel Capacity (Total) 60 U.S. gallons (30 per tank) Usable Fuel 59 U.S. gallons (29.5 per tank) Minimum Grade 100LL or premium unleaded 91 octane mogas (see EFII fuel notes ) Fuel Pressure (DIFF setpoint) 45 PSI (Borla regulator, 2026-03-17)
Parameter Value
Capacity 12 quarts max, 8 quarts min for operation Recommended Quantity 9 quarts for extended flight Viscosity (All Temps) SAE 15W-50 or SAE 20W-50
Weight Value
Maximum Takeoff Weight 2,700 lbs Maximum Landing Weight 2,700 lbs Maximum Baggage Weight 150 lbs Empty Weight (current, 2025-11-18) 1,643 lbs Useful Load 1,057 lbs
Loading Value
Wing Loading (at gross) 18.4 lbs/sq. ft. Power Loading (at gross) 10.4 lbs/HP
Symbol Definition
KIAS Knots Indicated Airspeed KCAS Knots Calibrated Airspeed KTAS Knots True Airspeed V~S0~ Stall speed in landing configuration (flaps down) V~S1~ Stall speed in clean configuration (flaps up) V~X~ Best angle of climb speed V~Y~ Best rate of climb speed V~G~ Best glide speed V~FE~ Maximum flap extended speed V~NO~ Maximum structural cruising speed V~A~ Design maneuvering speed V~NE~ Never exceed speed (TAS, not IAS)
Abbreviation Definition
RPM Revolutions Per Minute MP Manifold Pressure CHT Cylinder Head Temperature EGT Exhaust Gas Temperature FF Fuel Flow GPH Gallons Per Hour PSI Pounds Per Square Inch ECU Engine Control Unit (EFII System32) EFII Electronic Fuel Injection and Ignition
Abbreviation Definition
EFIS Electronic Flight Instrument System PFD Primary Flight Display MFD Multi-Function Display AHRS Attitude and Heading Reference System GPS Global Positioning System VOR VHF Omnidirectional Range ILS Instrument Landing System ADS-B Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast AoA Angle of Attack NRST Nearest (Dynon button — direct-to-nearest with AP engaged)
Abbreviation Definition
VDC Volts Direct Current VPX Vertical Power Sport (electronic circuit breaker system) MZ-30 Monkworkz MZ-30 generator (Battery 2 charging source)
Abbreviation Definition
CG Center of Gravity MAC Mean Aerodynamic Chord ARM Horizontal distance from datum to item CG MOMENT Weight multiplied by arm
Abbreviation Definition
POH Pilot’s Operating Handbook SM Statute Miles NM Nautical Miles ISA International Standard Atmosphere MSL Mean Sea Level AGL Above Ground Level OAT Outside Air Temperature