What's next from Van's?

[Mach.26]

Originally Posted by Tom Martin

A quick build tapered wing that would fit the newer model RV's. I have an EVO wing rocket and just love the speed range. The higher you go the better the wing behaves relative to the square wings.
Cost has always been used as reason to not go with a tapered wing. One only has to look at how many IFR panels are owned my non IFR pilots to realize that costs are not the primary driver in aircraft purchases.
The wing could be offered as an option, and I believe it would be a popular one.
500 similar RVs show up at AirVenture; would it not be nice to have one that looks a bit different and offers an improved flying experience?

Agree! I would love to put a tapered wing on my 8! What a neat option to have. Should I skip my wing build and go straight to the fuselage in anticipation of this option? Mr. Vans President do you monitor this thread?

[DougCronkhite]

Originally Posted by Kyle Boatright

Thing is, they are quickly heading to the bigger/more expensive end of the spectrum. I'd love to see an updated RV-3, but I don't think the market is there for Vans to make the investment.

Given that they can now go LSA- 200 mph 4 seater, I'm not sure if they don't just spend time refining the existing models and putting together more standard sub-kits (panel kits, for instance) for the older -7-8-9-10 designs. Pass through sales (avionics, props, and engines) seem to be a big part of the current thinking at Vans, and I'm sure they are missing out on some of that "action" because they haven't put together standard packages for the older kits.

The SPA Panther is a new single-place kit on the market. I think an updated RV-3 using RV-8 components would be an interesting airplane, and being from Vans would probably sell pretty well. The commonality of components would help reduce new development costs for Vans too..

[DougCronkhite]

Originally Posted by BruceEicher

What about a bird that would take aerobatic flight to higher levels? Maybe an improved, all metal concept of the ?One Design?? Or a less expensive home built ?Extra? type?

Yeah.. I'd be all over something like this. An RV specifically designed to handle 'real' aerobatics (+/- 10G limits) would fill a market that's sorely lacking in the world of $450,000 Extras.

[DougCronkhite]

Originally Posted by Mach.26

Agree! I would love to put a tapered wing on my 8! What a neat option to have. Should I skip my wing build and go straight to the fuselage in anticipation of this option? Mr. Vans President do you monitor this thread?

The guys that make the HP-24 sailplane kit have been working on a full carbon tapered RV-8 wing.. I don't know if they plan to produce it or not, but the first assembled internal structure (no skins) weighed only 22 pounds.

[Mach.26]

Originally Posted by DougCronkhite

The guys that make the HP-24 sailplane kit have been working on a full carbon tapered RV-8 wing.. I don't know if they plan to produce it or not, but the first assembled internal structure (no skins) weighed only 22 pounds.

Oh I am tracking this project indeed. Was told by Steve though to basically not hold my breath... but who knows maybe by the time I have my fuselage together there may be a chance they sell wing kits to individuals......

[Dave Bernard]

I'd also love to get started on a Bearhawk-style all metal bush plane...

However, after the secrecy and surprise of the RV-14, we won't know until they roll it out.

[sirlegin]

Originally Posted by Mark Dickens

While I'd like to see the RV-8 kit updated to the same standards as the -14, I'd vote for a high wing Cub-like design. You could also hangar one of those with a low wing RV in a standard T hangar

I second Mark's idea

[tspear]

The thing Van's is really missing is something that can compete with a two weeks to taxi program.
I know a couple of companies are planning to offer something close to this Glassair program.

Otherwise, Van's is really missing options to change/tweak the planes. When you look at most of the competitors, you see them adding more options to allow customers to make the plane "their" own.

Also, i doubt you will ever van's get in the bush plane market. Van's has crafted an image of speed, fun, and most importantly speed. Bush planes are not really known for speed.


Tim

[MLock]

To everyone and especially Mr. Mach .26,

I monitor this website every day. I truly enjoy the posts for the most part. I take everything into consideration but nothing to heart.

I have particularly enjoyed this thread because it lets us have a glimpse into what the RV community is thinking and maybe wishing for. We have our wishes too. Mostly we wish for enough insight into our niche of GA that we may still come up with designs that excite and delight. What pleases you most is what sells the best.

I believe your faith in Van's Aircraft over the decades has been rewarded time and again with airplanes that tickle the fancy and are fun to fly. Whatever comes next will do the same. I promise.

[Mach.26]

Didn't expect that Mitch, thanks for checking in sir! There are some really great ideas here so I really do hope that you take some of them to heart. Van's could never go wrong by just doing what it does best, continue to put out a nice flying, easy to build product at a affordable price.