What should Vans do next? - Page 7

Jim P · #61 01-20-2010, 11:26 AM

Had to go back and review the thread, this is getting lengthy.

Lots of suggestions around some sort of bush plane in the list, but I'd really like to see a stretch -7 or 9 with enough room for a mid-sized kid or expanded cargo capability, maybe up to 200#. Move the wing back a bit, put a plug in the aft fuse and give it a 2+1 capability. The 10 is a great airplane, but I suspect there's a void between the -7/9 and 10 for those with only 1 kid or needs for extended baggage but a little too light on the financials for a -10.

bkc3921 · #62 01-20-2010, 11:31 AM

I would like to see Van hire me (yes, I would be happy to move to Oregon..will even bring wife and dog!) to re-write all of the instruction manuals. As an anal organizational freak, 2 things bother me the most: 1) installing a part in Chapter 3..and then being forced to remove it in Chapter 5!! 2) Not being able to locate and make all builder fabricated parts at the same time, as they are scattered throughout the plans!!......p.s. in this age of computers..each set of plans should include ONLY the drawings for the kit you have..not something like "RV-8 similar!"..this can get expensive when you are measuring/cutting/fabricating parts....(please don't ask me how I know this...)........

tdhanson · #63 01-20-2010, 12:07 PM

One more vote for a Bush Plane - High Wing to bring more innovation and price competition to the Sportsman / Bearhawk scene.

deene · #64 01-20-2010, 12:14 PM

IMHO......

I don't see the payoff for Van's to put limited resources into improving documentation or in retooling of the existing products. The real bread and butter products for them are the 7/8/9/10/12 and they all have good to outstanding docs and matched hole tooling.

The real need is a new product to extend the line and offer features with widespread interest...like the previously mentioned place high wing option. BUT extend the concept to offer two versions; 1) a 540 powered 4 place version to haul families and easier access and good baggage capability and 2) a 2+ tailwheel version that would have beefed up gear and perhaps a 360 power for light empty weight.

I had a 360 powered BD4 for some 20+ years and really enjoyed it and its speed and utility. BUT, it was b**t ugly, had limited load capability and no slow speed capabilty. An high wing RV14 would offer a lot of attractive features and capability.

bhassel · #65 01-20-2010, 01:39 PM

High foldiing wing with tougher gear. Bigger baggage area (golf clubs, etc). 2+ capacity, with a curise wing like the 9/10 but higher horse power than the 9 on the top end.

flion · #66 01-20-2010, 02:23 PM

I'd like to put in my vote for the SRV-1: Suborbital RV. I believe we can put an RV pilot in orbit.

Kiwi · #67 01-20-2010, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel

I know this is bucking the current trend of faster and easier build, but I would like to see something on the lines of a materials kit. Closer to what the original RV-3, -4, &-6 was.
With all this pre-punching, there is no option for minor mods.
I realize there is no market for this type of kit, as everyone nowadays wants "quick & easy"!

I agree with Mel. Different reasons, though Mel's comment is still valid.

Flying Scotsman · #68 01-20-2010, 10:01 PM

Maybe Van's should just sell CAD databases and raw ore so people can smelt their own raw materials.

ajay · #69 01-20-2010, 11:25 PM

Although not one of the original poll options, I'm also very much in favor of Stein's option - high wing bush plane, maybe both a 2 and 4 pax version. This is close to Van's basic design philosophy, but he always includes short field, but wavers towards cost and speed to off field performance.

BTW if you do a search on what 10TJ did to his rv10 you'll find he may have already designed a pretty good bush 10, albeit still low wing. It already beats a C-180 in terms of short field performance and may provide sufficient ruggedness to handle the abuse. Basically he modified the nose strut, put C-206 wheels and brakes to name a few of his mods. Lossed a few knots on the high end, but if his low wings can handle the abuse, he may already be close to the right answer without a new design.

ajay

David Shelton · #70 01-21-2010, 02:44 AM

[quote=Chino Tom;352117]I agree. A more utilitarian 2 + 2 airplane. One that you could actually
get a bicycle or a bunch of camping gear in.QUOTE]

Sorry Tom, I couldn't resist... RV-10 Cargo Pod

I vote for a motorglider. I already have something to travel in so now I need something that's purely for fun. Soaring is a blast... and it's actually economical too!