The RV-12iS - an Improved RV-12!

Ironflight · #1 07-17-2017, 08:16 PM

Kitplanes was there for the first flight of the new RV-12iS in early July, and we were given a chance to evaluate the kit and aircraft improvements with a flight soon after. From a pilot?s perspective, the RV-12iS handles like the original ? responsive and stable, an excellent training or sport platform. The improved cockpit includes a new center-console throttle which feels quite natural, and fast-acting electric flaps to replace the manual flap handle of the original. Both add to the human factors of the cockpit in a positive way. Top speed of the new RV-12iS is limited to 120 knots, per LSA regulations, so the improvement in performance with the iS is most noticeable in an increased climb rate and better efficiency.

The kit improvements include a new wiring harness that should make connecting everything simpler and easier. The airframe has also been beefed up in the landing gear structure, making it an even better trainer for those still learning to return to earth ? sometimes with less finesse. The baggage area fuel tank has been redesigned to almost be invisible, making the cargo space easier to use ? and allowing a higher baggage weight.

Overall, the RV-12iS impressed us as an evolutionary improvement over the popular original, and we predict that builders and pilots will enjoy the many changes. Read our full review in the November 2017 issue of Kitplanes Magazine

For a couple more pictures, check out:

https://newsline.kitplanes.com/2017/...ed-vans-rv-12/

Jetguy · #2 07-17-2017, 08:47 PM

I knew this was coming, very impressive!

This could be the next generation Flight trainer.

You heard it here first November 2012!

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...x+years&page=2

Mike S · #3 07-17-2017, 09:38 PM

Bet you are relieved to let this particular feline out of its burlap confinement

XOverZero · #4 07-17-2017, 10:19 PM

In the photo it appears that the stabilator has faired tips.

DaleB · #5 07-17-2017, 10:24 PM

Some of us are just wondering which bits, if any, will be able to be retrofit to an older 12... officially or not!

Some of the changes look pretty nice.

DaveLS · #6 07-17-2017, 11:15 PM

In addition to the stabilator tips,

Two landing/taxi lights - moved further outboard?

Louvers on top of the engine cowl

NACA duct on side of lower engine cowl

tomkk · #7 07-18-2017, 05:22 AM

I can see the pics in the kitplanes link but not the one with the post ...

charger81 · #8 07-18-2017, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomkk

I can see the pics in the kitplanes link but not the one with the post ...

Ditto. Could see them last night but not this morning.

SmilingJack · #9 07-18-2017, 09:28 AM

Paul,

How do you like the fuel shut off?

Seems like an odd design.... down position turning fuel ON seems like a good failsafe, but it just seems a little wonky to have a push/pull type fuel valve.

rvbuilder2002 · #10 07-18-2017, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmilingJack

Paul,

How do you like the fuel shut off?

Seems like an odd design.... down position turning fuel ON seems like a good failsafe, but it just seems a little wonky to have a push/pull type fuel valve.

There are really only two reasons to use the fuel shut-off valve on an RV-12

- Doing maintenance

- In flight and on fire (or I could see using it when making a forced landing after a total unrecoverable power failure, but the premise of its use is basically the same... emergency)

For maint. the design is a good thing because it pulls up and is in the way so it should help avoid forgetting it in the off position (though you likely couldn't get the iS engine started with it in the off position.

In flight it shouldn't really matter what the means of shutting it off is since it is not something you are using regularly like switching between a left and right tank, and because it would be extremely rare for anyone to have to do so, but if they do, it is very easy to actuate.