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  #1  
Old 09-15-2005, 06:46 PM
DeltaRomeo DeltaRomeo is offline
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Default RV-12 Update Online

http://www.vansaircraft.com/public/rv-12int.htm#12

Best,
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  #2  
Old 09-16-2005, 05:53 AM
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Jamie Jamie is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
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Looks like no one else wants to chime in on the RV-12...so I guess I'll start.

It looks to me like the RV-12 is a fantastic idea. Talk about reducing the cost of ownership. With the Rotax sipping gas and the removeable wings (allowing it to be trailerable)...this thing looks like a real money saver.

Yeah, it will be slower than the other RV's (due to LSA regs limit of 120kts cruise), but the performance will be comparable or better than a Skyhawk, which is good enough for a great number of pilots and is great for a casual weekend flight around the patch.

From reading the info in the RVater and looking at the computer-generated image on the website, it appears as though the -12 will have a steerable, oleo-strut style nose gear. I find that to be very interesting, since from the perspective of cost, simplicity and weight a tapered tube gear a la all the -A models would be preferred. I guess Van and Co. are choosing to try to make the nose gear as fool-proof as possible, which in my opinion is not a bad thing.

From the business perspective, I think it's an interesting decision being made by Van's. Since the -6/6A, all the models have shared parts, making the production process much simpler and cost-efficient. So far the -12 seems like it will use completely different parts, which will challenge the Van's staff to be able to produce them without too much time between equipment changes to manufacture different parts. Unless Van's increases their capacity, I would expect to see lead times rise if this kit comes onto the market. It could be argued that lead times stayed about the same after the introduction of the 10, but I predict that the -12 would have more sales by volume than the -10.

And finally the RV-9/9A guys will have somebody to rib....

(no offense...my mind was set on the -9A until someone talked me into the -7A).
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  #3  
Old 09-19-2005, 10:53 AM
elfiero elfiero is offline
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 32
Default Rv12

Well, they promised me that I'm #1 on the list when they start shipping kits. I hope they keep their word. It looks to me like a pretty good design so far.
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  #4  
Old 09-19-2005, 03:25 PM
dynamic88 dynamic88 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: La Porte texas
Posts: 11
Lightbulb rv-12

looks a lot like the thorp t-211 but with a vans twist to it
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  #5  
Old 09-21-2005, 12:35 PM
Haackeye Haackeye is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Posts: 14
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How does one get on the list for shipping kits when available (if ever)
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  #6  
Old 09-21-2005, 02:11 PM
cobra cobra is offline
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Utah
Posts: 274
Default

The 9s are way too fast for sport pilots, which is the niche that the 12 has been designed to fill- so the analogy makes no sense.

One potential engine combination that should work well in the RV-12 is the supercharged Suzuki Geo motor setup from Raven industries. It is one of the few automotive recriprocating engines that was designed to run continually at high rpms, and it has about the same weight and output of the turborotax, and has excellent economy AND is cheap.
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  #7  
Old 10-09-2005, 06:32 PM
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Hawkeye7A Hawkeye7A is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: SE AZ
Posts: 286
Default More expense

Something else to consider on the bottom line of the -12 kit prices. According to Vans initial description of the kit, it will be assembled with pulled rivets. Take a look at Vans catalog and compare the prices between pulled and solid rivets. It's a substantial difference and I have to assume that the cost will be passed on to the builder. Don't mean to sound like sour grapes. I'm looking forward to seeing the prototype as much as anyone. And if anyone can do it right, it's Van and his staff.

--hawk
RV-7A (finishing kit--but still a long way to go!)
N728E (reserved)
SE AZ
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  #8  
Old 10-09-2005, 08:31 PM
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Radomir Radomir is offline
 
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Location: Charlotte, NC
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betcha there will be quite a few built with solid rivets.. I'd probably try to use solid rivets as much as I could..
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  #9  
Old 10-12-2005, 03:10 AM
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RudiGreyling RudiGreyling is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: South Africa, Johannesburg
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Hi Guys,

I have to chirp in here...I also don't expect the kit price to way lower than the current, but remember that is only one portion of the equation.

I have looked at several metal kit options and the kits alone are all priced in the same region.

It is when it comes to the assembly time & the engine where the big difference are. (some people's time is free others not)

Then also remember the tools required to assemble.

I think if you look at the overall package it should cost less than the current 2 seat RV line up.

But even if it does not, you still get an RV airplane you can fly with a lower medical.

Regards
Rudi
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  #10  
Old 10-12-2005, 06:14 PM
sptom sptom is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 7
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I agree with Rudi. In addition, fuel costs will be significantly lower. You could save $2000 per year on fuel costs over a Lycoming (100 hours/yr, $4.00/gallon). Over a five year period that really adds up.
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