Ain't no way Van's would product an airplane that looks like that. They have more pride in their product.
They like slippery planes not draggy ones
Art
If the 15/16 is what I think it will be, I'll dig out my checkbook, rivet gun and start banging rivets...again.
V/R
Smokey
.
I predict you will want a pneumatic rivet puller, and it won't require a lot of banging. Aka high wing RV12 ish.
Purely a guess on my end though.
Smokey is suffering from RV15itis. A condition with only one known cure. That is to load up the truck, hitch the trailer and head direct to Oregon and set up camp in Vans parking lot immediately. Don’t leave until your complete RV15 kit is loaded on the trailer. And one for Doug while you are there.
Smokey is suffering from RV15itis. A condition with only one known cure. That is to load up the truck, hitch the trailer and head direct to Oregon and set up camp in Vans parking lot immediately. Don’t leave until your complete RV15 kit is loaded on the trailer. And one for Doug while you are there.
I too would be sorely disappointed if it was a pulled rivet version. One of those is one too many not to mention what powers it.
Really don't understand the disdain for the Rotax 912/914 series of engines. They are beautifully engineered, fuel efficient and will run well beyond TBO if properly maintained.
Probably the sound they make! I suspect the same thing was said when radials were being phased out.
....A real four place, high-wing that can cruise at 135kts-140kts and be back-country capable would dominate the market....
Or just buy a Cessna 180 and go flying. It will do that and more.
Or just buy a Cessna 180 and go flying. It will do that and more.
I think Jay is right. RV15 will be a 175 and RV15A will replace 172....but with a stick, more spacious cabin, RV10ish useful load, and about 20 kts more in cruise.
A real four place, high-wing that can cruise at 135kts-140kts and be back-country capable would dominate the market. The only thing I can think of remotely similar is the Sportsman and that's a 2+2 and composite- not really comparable.
Will be cool to see what they come up with- I'm sure will be game changing like their last three introductions.
It's not just about useful load, but space as well. Most of my friends and family just simply physically don't fit in the old narrow fuse Cessnas. Oh sure we can cram in, but who wants to spend 3 or 4 hours plastered up next to your buddy on a hot bumpy day. And winter with coats....its almost comical. All this class and comfort for only $150k. To those that aren't flying fanatics it's a tough sell.
Ding-ding! Winner!
For those that say buy a 180, 2 problems:
1. You need thirsty 6 cylinder to get these numbers. I bet Vans can do it with an IO390.
2. It's not just about useful load, but space as well. Most of my friends and family just simply physically don't fit in the old narrow fuse Cessnas. Oh sure we can cram in, but who wants to spend 3 or 4 hours plastered up next to your buddy on a hot bumpy day. And winter with coats....its almost comical. All this class and comfort for only $150k. To those that aren't flying fanatics it's a tough sell.
Ask, and ye shall receive:
https://www.dreamaircraft.com/site/index.php?lang=EN&hdr=xl&sw_hdr=1
C175, size weight and appearance with Jays inputs. Check
IO390 up front: Check
1000 lb useful load, true 4 place cabin: Check
135 Knot Cruise @75%: Check
Experimental Kit Aircraft: Check
Can Van improve on “The Dream?” I’m certain. Will the 15 be similar?
I’m counting on it!
V/R
Smokey
Marketable: Check
https://www.controller.com/listing/...-tundra-experimental-slash-homebuilt-aircraft
Was an owner of a M5 "Lunar Rocket" it one time. I was a blast to fly with the Cont IO 210C Continental 6-cyl IO-360 w/ McCauley CS prop, and could haul anything you could get the doors to close around. Had Razorback Fuselage and metal wings with razorback tail surfaces. A trip or two down to Maule Aircraft in south GA had the feel of a family organization and pride in their product.
I am predicting that Vans will want pilot seating forward of the wing spar to give great visibility in all directions. This will require a light engine. Best guess is they will choose a Rotax 915iS.
It's a new hemoglobin based primer product.