Interested in Harmon Rocket 2

bigred177

bigred177

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bigred
Curious about the HR2. I'm looking to buy a plane and love the specs, but I wanted to get the perspective of some other people out there.

I can count on one finger the number of times I've flown with 3 or more people in 150hrs of GA flying. I've become addicted to the speed of the planes I've been flying recently and I *really* enjoy going upside down. Not looking to compete, just the positive G, gentleman's aerobatics. 80% of my trips would be in Texas and the states connected to it with the occasional trips farther.

I tried on the Glasair 3 but I don't fit in the shoulder or leg region. I do fit in the HR both in the front and back. The GF also approves of the tandem seating. I don't know everything about the weight and balance but it seems like it could handle everything I'm looking to throw at it.

The one I'm currently looking at has a dual G3X set up in it with a two axis A/P. It is set up for VFR only right now and not ADSB compliant. What would I need to do to fly it IFR and get it ADSB compliant? It has a GTX327 transponder.

So I'm curious about any other planes that might fit me and fit the bill. I'd also like to hear from people who have experience owning, flying, and working on them. I don't want to build one, but I do like the ability to turn a wrench on it. I'm fine with finding a good A&P to work with for the condition inspections.

Thanks
 
Have chatted with John Harmon several times at his Rocket Cafe in Bakersfield. Isn't that plane the same fuselage or cockpit as a model of RV? Would be easier to get a ride in one of those than a Rocket. Does the Harmon have a user group or owner forum?
 
My understanding is that they're the same from the passenger backrest aft, but Rocket from there forward. It's not so much about riding in one as it is having other people bring up ideas I'm not seeing because I'm too close to the transaction. Riding in one right now would only make me want it more.
 
bigred177 said:
My understanding is that they're the same from the passenger backrest aft, but Rocket from there forward. It's not so much about riding in one as it is having other people bring up ideas I'm not seeing because I'm too close to the transaction. Riding in one right now would only make me want it more.
Click to expand...

The HR2 and the Rocket are different kits.

The HR2 is a modified RV4. Among other things the ribs are repitched closer and the wings clipped compared to the RV. Basically one orders an RV4 kit with a list of deletions and substitutes the components supplied by John Harmon.

The Rocket was a complete airframe kit marketed as an advance on the Harmon-RV hybrid, and I don't believe there are any interchangeable parts between them.
 
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Right, I was using HR2 and Rocket interchangeably. I have not looked at the F1 Rocket at all.
 
I was and still have the beginnings of a HR2 in my workshop. I was originally drawn to the Rocket because of the shoulder and leg room offered over a RV. Performance was a factor as well, but i was scared off and went on to a different aircraft for a few reasons.
Insurance, for a Rocket is astronomical, most estimates you get will be in the $5000 a year, and that's if you manage to rack up a bunch more time while building.
 
There's plenty of rocket discussion on VAF. You should look there.

My first "maybe I'll buy an RV" was in the form of an RV-4. It didn't work out and I went with the 6A. You may stat rocketeering and end up in an 8.

The updates to the G3x for ADS-B and IFR shouldn't be too much and the parts you replace have a willing used market.

Happy hunting.
 
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