The nose gear leg and fairing add a small amount of parasite drag, which technically shaves a knot or two off your ultimate top speed compared to the clean lines of the taildragger. The Bay Tower Studios Simulation Factor
The RV-7 is slightly faster, with a top speed of ~210 mph compared to the RV-7A’s ~208 mph (with a 180 hp engine).
Without a nose gear assembly disrupting airflow, the tailwheel variant enjoys a slight edge in aerodynamic efficiency. In FSX, this translates to marginally faster acceleration and a tiny boost in top-tier cruise speeds.
BTS (often represented in the sim as Brian Head or similar high-altitude backcountry airstrips) demands an aircraft with a high power-to-weight ratio. The default Cessna 208 Caravan is capable, but it feels sluggish on the roll. The Cessna 172 is too slow and struggles with the density altitude.
Bay Tower Studio meticulously modeled the physics of both configurations. The visual vibration of the gear legs during taxi and the compression of the struts upon landing are distinctly animated for each model. 2. Taxiing and Forward Visibility fsx bts vans rv 7 7a better
The RV-7/7A can cruise at nearly 200 mph but still has a low stall speed of roughly 50–60 knots , making it capable of operating out of short, unpaved farm strips.
The RV-7A is the "A" variant, sporting a nose wheel for those who prefer modern stability and ease of use.
It is the ultimate . You don't need a flight plan. You don't need to program an FMC. You just start the engine, taxi to the runway, and feel the wind in your hair (virtually).
While the "A" model is easier, "better" is subjective, especially if you are looking for a challenge. The "Purist" Experience The nose gear leg and fairing add a
Both versions are side-by-side, two-seat, single-engine, low-wing aircraft that are fully aerobatic. Powered by engines ranging from 150 to 215 hp (such as the Lycoming O-360 or IO-390), they boast impressive performance: cruise speeds near 200 mph, stall speeds as low as 64 mph, and takeoff and climb performance that feels like an "elevator".
: Nailing a three-point or wheel landing in a crosswind delivers an immense sense of accomplishment that tricycle pilots rarely experience. 3. Classic Aesthetics and Less Drag
: The rugged tailwheel configuration is more resilient on unpaved or rough terrain. You are a purist
The BTS package includes all four variants: the RV-7 with sliding or tip-up canopy, and the RV-7A with sliding or tip-up canopy. It received high praise for its outstanding visual quality, clean panel layout, and easy-to-read gauges. The add-on delivers an "exhilarating" flight experience, with a realistic flight model (FM) that captures the aircraft's sporty, agile nature. With a price under $40 at release, it was considered a fantastic value. In FSX, this translates to marginally faster acceleration
You flare the aircraft completely, stalling it just inches above the runway so all three wheels touch simultaneously.
Ultimately, neither variant is objectively better because .
If you’ve spent any time deep in the rabbit holes of flight simulation forums or experimental aircraft hangars, you’ve likely stumbled across the cryptic string of terms: At first glance, it looks like someone dropped a bag of Scrabble tiles. But to the dedicated simmer or homebuilder, this keyword represents a crucial debate: Which platform—Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX), the "Better Than Standard" (BTS) mod, or the real-world Van's Aircraft RV-7/7A—delivers the superior experience?