Bohannon B-1

Bohannon and Miller built the Miller-Bohannon JM-2 Pushy Galore to set the new time to climb records and compete in Formula One air racing. Bohannon continued to set records with his new aircraft. He acquired Exxon as a sponsor for record attempts. His B-1 was painted in a stylized tiger paint scheme and named the "Exxon Flyin' Tiger".^[2] The aircraft went on to set 30 altitude and time to climb records.^[3][4]

The Bohannon B-1 is a low-wing, all-metal single-seat aircraft with conventional landing gear. The Lycoming IO-540 engine is augmented with nitrous oxide to increase power from 260 to 425 hp (194 to 317 kW).^[5] For 2001 attempts, a Lycoming IO-555 was installed.^[6]

The B-1 has set, and beat, its own records several times. The B-1 operates in the FAI C-1b Class. (Piston aircraft 1,102 to 2,205 lb (500 to 1,000 kg)).

• 1999 - Time to climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) record of 2 minutes and 20 seconds.^[5]
• 2000 - Time to climb to 6,000 m (19,685 ft) - Six minutes, thirty seven seconds.^[7]
• 2001 - Absolute ceiling for a piston engine aircraft - 35,000 ft (10,668 m).^[6]
• 2002 - Absolute ceiling - 37,536 ft (11,441 m) ^[8]
• 2002 - Time to climb to 12,000 m (39,370 ft) in 32 minutes, 2 seconds
• 2002 - Absolute ceiling - 41,300 ft (12,588 m).^[9]
• 2003 - Absolute ceiling - 47,067 ft (14 346 m)^[10]

Data from Sport Aviation

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming IO-540 horizontally opposed piston, 425 hp (317 kW)
• Propellers: 3-bladed Hartzell

Performance

• Cruise speed: 210 kn (240 mph, 390 km/h)
• Rate of climb: 4,407 ft/min (22.39 m/s) 1999 time to climb record

Related development

• Van's RV-4