There’s a theory floating around in aviation circles that says the only way to beat Cirrus in the high-performance GA piston-single market it to build a better SR22. The new LX7 from RDD Enterprises in Redmond, Oregon, sure looks a lot like a Cirrus SR22 or Lancair clone—with far better performance and, apparently, a sky-high price tag to match.
Making an appearance later this month at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the LX7, a substanitlly improved version of the original Lancair IV-P, aims to outclass the Cirrus SR22 in nearly every way imaginable, but the question remains whether buyers will be willing to pay $900,000 for an airplane that will initially be offered in the Experimental category.
A certified version is said to be forthcoming, and the projected performance of this beast is certainly impressive: RDD claims the LX7 will boast a 260-ktas max cruise speed at FL 250 with a an eye-popping max range of 2,250 nm at the LX7’s economy cruise speed of 250 ktas.
It’s got a full airframe parachute, will be certified for flight in known icing and—drum roll, please—it’s pressurized.
Powered by a brawny Continental TSIO-550E engine, the secret to the LX7’s long range is its massive fuel tanks that can hold 180 gallons of avgas—twice as much as an SR22. Payload with full fuel is 320 pounds, but owners can easily carry more by adding less fuel. Empty weight is said to be 2,350 pounds and max gross weight 3,750 pounds.
The four-place composite construction aircraft would also be offered with a 550-hp engine, and a turbine version is undergoing testing as well. Avionics are said to be Garmin’s G3X system.
