Van's Aircraft

Founded by Richard "Van" VanGrunsven 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-12, are all-aluminum, low-wing monoplanes of monocoque construction. All, except the RV-3, RV-4 and RV-10 are available in both tricycle and taildragger configurations. All tricycle gear model designations except the RV-10 carry an "A" at the end (e.g., RV-6A). All RVs are aerobatic, with the exception of the RV-9 and RV-10.Kitplanes Staff: "2008 Kit Aircraft Directory", page 77-78, Kitplanes Magazine December 2007 Volume 24, Number 12, Belvior Publications, Aviation Publishing Group LLC.]

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. cite web|url = http://www.vansaircraft.com/public/rvkitpla.htm|title = Introduction - About RV Kitplanes|accessdate = 2007-12-12|last = Van's Aircraft|authorlink = |year = 2007]

Van's factory is located at Aurora State Airport, Oregon. This location serves as a point of an annual fly-in for Van's aircraft owners.

Experimental 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 may apply for a Repairman Certificate. Upon evaluation of the candidate's qualification by the appropriate Flight Standard's District Office (FSDO) serving the geographical area where the aircraft is based he will be given the certificate for that aircraft so certain inspections including the annual condition inspection can be legally performed on that aircraft alone by that individual. Similar regulations apply in the other countries listed above.Fact|date=December 2007

Engines

The recommended engine for the RV kit aircraft are air cooled Lycoming aircraft engines. The most popular engine models are the 4 cylinder 160 hp (I)O-320 and 180-200 hp (I)O-360 and can be either carbureted or fuel injected. The RV-10 model is a 4 place aircraft and calls for the larger 6 cylinder fuel injected Lycoming IO-540 or the carbureted O-540 engine, which are rated between 235 and 260 hp. Some builders choose not to use the Lycoming engine and adapt automobile engines, typically Subaru and Mazda rotary automobile engines for use as well. Depending on the engine, builders can also choose between a fixed pitch and constant speed propeller.

Type club

The RV series of aircraft have a very active aircraft type club, "Van's Air Force", that provides support for owners and pilots of all these aircraft. [ cite web|url = http://www.vansairforce.net|title = Van's Air Force|accessdate = 2007-12-12|last = Reeves |first = Doug|authorlink = |year = undated]

RV aircraft 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 cite web|url = http://vansaircraft.com/public/rvkitpla.htm|title = Introduction - About RV Kitplanes|accessdate = 2008-09-21|last = Van's Aircraft|authorlink = |year = 2008]
*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 available as a partial kit. cite web|url = http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/avflash/1088-full.html|title = Vans RV-12 Light Sport Aircraft|accessdate = 2008-04-11|last = AvWeb Staff|authorlink = |year = 2000|month = April]

Van's Aircraft Image Gallery

References

External links

* [http://www.vansaircraft.com Van's Aircraft company website]
* [http://www.vansairforce.net Van's Air Force aircraft type club.]