Van's Aircraft

Founded by Richard "Van" VanGrunsven in 1973, Van's Aircraft is a homebuilt aircraft kit manufacturer.

The RV Aircraft Series

Van's RV series of aircraft, from the single seat RV-3 to the latest RV-10, are all-aluminum, low-wing monoplanes of monocoque construction. All, except the RV-3 and RV-4, are available in both tricycle and taildragger configurations. Tricycle gear models carry an "A" at the end (e.g., RV-6A) with the exception of the RV-10, which is only offered in a tricycle configuration. All RVs are aerobatic, with the exception of the RV-9 and RV-10.

The RV series of airplanes has been extremely successful; there are thousands of RVs flying, making the series one of the most numerous of all homebuilt aircraft. They are generally suited for aerobatics with their responsive controls, and offer both good speed and fuel economy.

Aircraft Status

RVs are deemed Experimental Aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States, and are accepted under the corresponding category by the aviation authorities in many other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. As such, Van's cannot sell completed aircraft, although a modified version of the RV-6 was sold to the Nigerian government as a military trainer. In the United States the builder is considered the manufacturer, and must complete at least 51% of the project, after which they will be given the maintenance certificate for that aircraft so all inspections etc. can be legally be performed. Similar regulations apply in the other countries listed above.

Engines

The most popular engines installed in the RV-3 to RV-9 are the 160 hp Lycoming O-320 and 180-200 hp O-360, with Subaru and Mazda rotary automobile engines also used. RV-10 builders generally install the fuel injected Lycoming IO-540 or the carbureted O-540 engine, which are rated between 235 and 260 hp. Like many modern homebuilts, builders can choose between a fixed pitch and constant speed propeller.

Aircraft Type Club

The RV series of aicraft have a very active aircraft type club Van's Air Force that provides support for owners and pilots of all these aircraft.

The RV series

RV-1: Stits SA-3 Playboy modified w/ 125hp Lycoming and custom wing
RV-2: Wooden flying wing sailplane prototype that was never completed
RV-3: Single seat
RV-4: Two seats, tandem, bubble canopy
RV-5: A small metal single seat prototype that was flown with a two-stroke engine
RV-6: Two seats, side-by-side
RV-7: Improved RV-6, with longer wingspan and larger rudder
RV-8: Improved RV-4, with larger cockpit
RV-9: Two seats, side-by-side; larger wing and more docile handling qualities
RV-10: Four seats, tricycle gear only
RV-11: Single seat, motorglider; currently under development
RV-12: Two seats, side-by-side Light Sport Aircraft; currently under development

External links

References

About RV Kitplanes - Vans Website

Aircraft manufacturers of the United States