Introduction - About RV Kitplanes

Aircraft, Inc. has been a leading supplier of aircraft kits since 1973. Our first offering was the single place RV-3. Its outstanding performance gained an enthusiastic following. This popularity naturally led to a customer demand for, and the development of, a two-place airplane. Tandem seating was chosen for the RV-4 because of the lower drag, superior centerline visibility, lighter weight, and overall fighter-like sportiness. It was a combination well suited to the market it entered in 1981. With performance nearly that of the RV-3 and an extra seat as well, the RV-4 became an immediate favorite and soon surpassed the RV-3 in popularity.

In the early to mid 1980s, the homebuilt market began to shift toward efficient touring, rather than pure sport airplanes. In response to this demand Van’s developed the side-by-side RV-6. Careful design and attention to aerodynamic details resulted in a new airplane that retained the delightful handling and short field qualities of the RV-4, and despite the wider fuselage, had a top speed only 3 mph less. The trigear RV-6A was developed from the RV-6 to better fill the needs of the modern pilot. The addition of the nosewheel reduces the top speed only 2 mph.

In 1995, Van’s flew the prototype RV-8, a new tandem design incorporating improvements learned from years of experience with the RV-4 and RV-6/6A. With a wider cockpit than the RV-4, two baggage compartments and increased instrument panel space, the RV-8 offers greater cross-country comfort without compromising the fighter-like sportiness of centerline seating. The RV-8 was designed to handle engines of 150-200 hp, and with the 200 hp IO-360 Lycoming, it sustains cruise speeds of 212 mph. Top speed is 222 mph. Naturally, the next question is: what about an RV-8A? The answer is, yes, of course! The RV-8A made its first flight in April 1998 and kits were available soon after.

The RV-9A, a side-by-side tricycle-gear design similar to the RV-6A, was first flown in December 1997. Designed to use lower-powered engines, the RV-9A is an alternative to those needing a "bigger, faster, more powerful" airplane. The first subkit was made available in November 1999.

At the 1997 EAA Convention in Oshkosh, WI, 288 RVs flew in to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Van’s first Oshkosh arrival in his RV-3. Completions now average about five per week. Since many projects were started within the past year or two, even larger numbers will be flying soon. The RV phenomenon is not restricted to the USA; builders all over the world have recognized the excellent value these airplanes offer. RV kits have been shipped to over 40 countries, and are actually flying in 20, as diverse as Greece, Australia and Nigeria.

By late 1999 more than 2300 RV kits had been completed and flown, and at least 5000 more were under construction.

Total Performance, a term coined to describe the RVs, refers to their wide performance envelope and sporty handling qualities. While the RVs are excellent cross-country airplanes, they are not simply "go-fast" machines. They are also aerobatic and have outstanding low speed characteristics and short-field capabilities; a rare combination. First and foremost, though, they are fun to fly. Their controls are light, responsive, and beautifully harmonized. Chances are that you have never flown an airplane that offers anything approaching the exhilarating sensation of an RV.

RVs are aluminum monocoque structures. The aluminum skins are supported by an internal structure of ribs, spars, and bulkheads, just like production light aircraft. Conventional "AN" aircraft rivets are used to fabricate the aluminum structure. The cowling, wing tips, wheel fairings and similar non-structural fairing parts are made of fiberglass.

Along with performance and handling, creature comfort was given high priority in the RV designs. Cockpits have been sized to comfortably accept pilots up to 6'4'' (slightly taller people can be accommodated in the RV-6 and RV-4 by making minor cockpit modifications, and the standard RV-8/8A will fit even if you’re 6’6" or more). Adding to the comfort (and safety) is the outstanding visibility enjoyed by all the RVs. The bubble canopies offer unrestricted in-flight visibility. Ground visibility is so good that little or no S-turning is needed while taxiing.