What Is the Cruise Speed of a Grumman Tiger?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re interested in flying the Grumman Tiger, one of the most important things you need to know is its cruise speed. The Grumman Tiger is a popular single-engine aircraft designed for general aviation, and it has a maximum cruise speed of 129 knots. But what exactly does this mean, and how does it affect your flight?

Cruise Speed Explained

Cruise speed refers to the average speed an aircraft can maintain during level flight. It’s not the maximum speed an aircraft can achieve but rather the optimal speed for fuel efficiency and comfort during long flights. The Grumman Tiger’s cruise speed of 129 knots translates to approximately 148 miles per hour or 238 kilometers per hour.

Factors Affecting Cruise Speed

Several factors affect an aircraft’s cruise speed, including altitude, weight, temperature, and wind conditions. The Grumman Tiger’s cruise speed assumes standard atmospheric conditions at sea level with no wind and a maximum takeoff weight of 2,650 pounds.

Performance Chart

To get a more accurate estimate of the Grumman Tiger’s cruise speed under different conditions, you can refer to its performance chart. This chart provides information on the aircraft’s true airspeed (TAS) at various altitudes and temperatures.

Sea Level Performance

At sea level with standard atmospheric conditions and no wind, the Grumman Tiger has a TAS of approximately 123 knots (141 mph or 227 km/h) at its recommended lean mixture setting. With full rich mixture, its TAS drops slightly to around 120 knots (138 mph or 222 km/h).

High Altitude Performance

As you climb higher in altitude, air density decreases, causing your true airspeed to increase even if your indicated airspeed remains constant. At an altitude of 8,000 feet, for example, the Grumman Tiger’s TAS increases to approximately 128 knots (147 mph or 237 km/h) with a lean mixture setting and 125 knots (144 mph or 232 km/h) with a full rich mixture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Grumman Tiger is a reliable and efficient aircraft with a maximum cruise speed of 129 knots. However, its actual cruise speed may vary depending on altitude, weight, temperature, and wind conditions. By understanding the factors that affect its performance and referring to its performance chart, you can get a more accurate estimate of its true airspeed during your flight.