New RV-10 Low Profile Handle Design
 

I am very excited to be making this announcement! I've been secretly working for months, with help from Ed Kranz and Geoff and Zac from Aerosport Products, designing a new handle for the RV-10.

I wanted a door handle that:
1. Was easy to install.
2. Still used the safety pin from the original design.
3. Incorporated a lock.
4. Could be used with Planearound 180 degree third door latch.
5. Could be used with one hand.
6. Was aerodynamic.
7. Looked great and complemented this beautiful airplane.

So I hit the drawing board - a.k.a. Solidworks - and got to work. And after a lot of work, trial fits, and prototype installs I developed this:


The Low Profile Handle is made from aluminum alloy and a high strength and corrosion resistant stainless steel inner ring. The handle replaces the standard RV-10 Van’s aircraft exterior handle that is supplied in the finishing kit. The handle has an aerodynamic design while maintaining the safety lock feature of the original design. The design also includes a location to install a lock flush with the handle giving the door a finished and well crafted look. Existing, installs can be retrofitted with the new handle.

The handle operates in a similar manner as the original Van’s handle; with the exception of the safety latch release button which is replaced with a lever action integrated into the handle design. The center of the circle is pushed lightly with the thumb releasing the safety latch mechanism and causing the back end to pull away from the door allowing access to grip the handle. The handle is then twisted to open the doors. The degrees of rotation are not limited allowing use of the 180° Planearound Third Latch if desired.

The handle is a fraction of the height of the stock Van’s handle reducing drag and improving the aesthetic appearance of the aircraft. The professional fit and sleek design are right at home on the modern and aerodynamic RV-10.



Again, I owe many thanks to Geoff and Zac at Aerosport Products. Without them this would not have become a reality. We have been working on this design for many months now and are excited to say, that after some prototype installs, we plan on bringing this design to market! The handles will be produced and sold by Aerosport so if you are interested please give them a call to reserve an order. A price has not been decided yet. But I can tell you the work these guys produce is top notch!

....contd from above
 

Here are some pictures of the first prototype installed on my airplane...











I also have a video posted on my blog showing the operation of the handle. And a few additional pictures. ....I'll see if I can figure out how to post a direct link to the video.

Oooooooooooo... Shiny!

AWESOME! I love how the lock is incorporated into the design.

Justin,

I've been following your build progress and curious about the super-secret handle!

Yet another after-market addition that I'll have to add to the budget!

Beautiful
 

Justin,

I always wanted to take the time and figure this mod out. I know it had to be challenging with the thickness provided. You, Geoff and Ed NAILED IT!
I have had so many calls in the past asking about a lock feature incorporated in the handle. Hopefully Vans picks up this design!! Well done.

Very Nice!!! I like the lock.... I wanted to try to find way to do that too. In the end I designed a pretty basic( But Pretty) version that's very affordable.

Yours looks similar to the one Showplanes Designed....

I would like to see it modified to replace the scissor latch on the side-by-side tip-up's.

Sean, Thanks! There was a lot of time put into the project . You can install the handle even on a finished airplane...just sayin ;). If you have any of those calls asking about a lock feature you can refer them over to Aerosport for the handles. I have the set installed on my plane with your third door latch and it works really well.

John,
Thanks. I liked your design. I would have probably gotten a set if I didn't have this in the works.

And, yeah it does. Great minds think alike I guess. Plus how different could a handle really look... :)