Van's Aircraft
|
|
Founded by Richard VanGrunsven - "Van" - in 1973, Van's Aircraft is a homebuilt aircraft kit manufacturer. 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, and are all available in both tricycle and taildragger configurations; tricycle gear models carry an "A" at the end (e.g., RV-6A). 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.
RVs are deemed Experimental Aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration. As such, new completed RV's may not be offered for sale by the manufacturer. The builder is considered the manufacturer. If the builder completes at least 51% of the project, he or she will be given the maintainance certificate for that aircraft so they can legally perform all requisite inspections, etc.
The most popular engines in RVs are the 160 hp Lycoming O-320 and 180-200 hp O-360, with various iterations of a converted Subaru automobile engine increasing in popularity. Builders of RV-10's will generally use (I)O-540's to generate 235-260 hp. RVs can be equipped with either a fixed pitch or constant speed propeller.
The RV series
- RV-3: Single seat
- RV-4: Two seats, tandem, bubble canopy
- RV-6: Two seats, side-by-side
- RV-7: Improved RV-6, with longer wingspan
- 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
External links:
- Company website (http://www.vansaircraft.com)
- Experimental Aircraft Association (http://www.eaa.org)
|
Lists of Aircraft | Aircraft manufacturers | Aircraft engines | Aircraft engine manufacturers Airports | Airlines | Air forces | Aircraft weapons | Missiles | Timeline of aviation |