Van's RV-15 (Next thing coming?)

[BCP Boys]

For those that keep wondering if Vans puts out a plane that may compare to the S21, I can just bet about bet you a year salary that they could do that in their sleep. Speaking from experience, the S21 Outback build process is a bit of nightmare for new builders. I know some folks here that have built planes before have bought the S21 kit and started to make great progress because they have experience building, but for new builders I think it's a huge challenge. The kit starts out strong and moves quickly but once the big items are built, progress comes to a crawl. The instructions and illustrations don't hold a candle to Vans, not even some of the earlier RV models. When you call for support, if you aren't on the "friends list", then you better prepared to be practically ridiculed for asking your question. How dare you ask a question that is clearly in the illustration drawn by a 5th grader... well that's what it looks like anyway. We've even asked to go to the factory and see some of their own build in hopes to answer our own questions, but it seems thats too much to ask too.... It was suggestion that we come during their "fly-in" with hundreds of others...no thanks.(sorry didn't mean to go down that rat trap)

I'm just saying, if Vans comes out with a high wing, STOL capable plane and went after the Cub, KitFox, Rans market, it would be game over for a couple of them, I truly believe that. If they release an all metal high wing and specifically went after the S21 market, well I think we all know what would happen.

I knew the the RVs were incredible airplanes which is why I looked and looked until I found a good build, because I didn't want to spend time building, just wanted to enjoy flying one. I bought the plans for my RV so I could better understand how to modify and maintain the plane. I expected to find details that are in the plans and never thought much about it until I started looking at another kit from a different company. Wow what a difference.

Net Net, If Vans releases a high wing STOL plane, I don't care what they call it.. RV15, RV16, RV18, RV21, whatever... I'm putting in my order that day.

[kkmarshall]

I am nearing completion of my S21 and am a first time builder. (My RV10 I bought flying) I disagree that it is especially hard for a first time builder but agree that the plans can be lacking in detail compared to Vans. I have the full build instructions for the 10 for comparison. Randy himself handles the S21 support calls which is both good and bad. You get to talk directly to the designer for support but his personality can be a bit off-putting at times. He can sometimes treat your questions as no big deal but far from the ridicule of your concerns. And improvements are being made to the kits all the time. A current kit has many changes that make the build go better/faster than my early kit. YMMV

[GatorsR1]

I thought the Van's announcement (RV-X) would light up the boards

[rmartingt]

Originally Posted by GatorsR1

I thought the Van's announcement (RV-X) would light up the boards

What "announcement"?

[GatorsR1]

thought I was on to something but it was old news.

https://vansairforce.com/community/s...d.php?t=173207

[iaw4]

Sling TSi, but in Vans metal, with Rotax 915is engine...

[Aircraft Specialty]

We went out to RANS to evaluate the S21 before placing an order for a kit. The airplane flies absolutely beautifully. I was extremely impressed, and my bar is extremely high, considering I have owned and flown two different RVs.

The parts quality so far has been excellent. The parts are machined instead of punched, so edge quality is great and minimal deburring has been required thus far.

RANS is building these as ready to fly SLSA aircraft also, so since there are always new ones being constructed at the factory, we builders benefit from a constantly evolving and improving kit.

The instructions are different than those that VANS provides, as you have to flip back and forth between several manuals. However, this is just a different mindset to get used to when building.

In addition, there is aftermarket product support for builders looking to customize their aircraft. Aerosport is building some beautiful products for this aircraft, and we are working on a variety of different fuel system options.

I am certain that the RV-15 will be a great aircraft, whatever iteration it ends up being in the final version. We don't yet know if it will be high wing, low wing, speed, bushplane, etc.....

However, the S21 is available for sale now. There is a reason that it has exploded in popularity, and is worth giving a very close look to even if other options become available.

[1 Task]

4 seat 2+2 acro (grumman tiger style PLUS performance) io-360. PLEASE!!!