Van's Aircraft
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Founded by Richard "Van" VanGrunsven in 1973, Van's Aircraft is a homebuilt aircraft kit manufacturer.
Contents
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
- [Company website]
- [Experimental Aircraft Association]
- [Van's Air Force World Wide Wing]
- [RV Builder's Hotline]
- [RV Aircraft Builder's Group (Yahoo)]
- [RV Specific Wiki Created and Maintined by Builders]
References
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