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  #21  
Old 03-02-2012, 08:40 AM
Tomcat RV4 Tomcat RV4 is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Jacksonville,Fl. 32246
Posts: 270
Default RV 15

Sounds like fantastic idea,however I agree there are lots of aircraft available,however you lycoming people are going to have to research and be ready to use and improve some of auto conversions available...VW derivitives,subaru, Geo, honda etc.... [ed. KK-1 was designed for a VW. dr]

Last edited by DeltaRomeo : 03-02-2012 at 08:59 AM.
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  #22  
Old 03-02-2012, 09:04 AM
RVFlyer RVFlyer is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Rockwall, TX
Posts: 103
Default RV-15

This is a challenging market segment. As some have mentioned above, there is no shortage of single seat cheap homebuilts on the market. However, as you point out, none of them are RVs.

The demographics are with you on this as the sport flier population ages and the economy continues to challenge most everyone. At our airport we've gained multiple Avid Flyers this year. They are marginally powered so they are treated as single-seaters. The business model problem is that these were all had for well under $10K. But again, not one has the support enjoyed by the RV community.

One recommendation... It should be relatively easy to get in and out of. This is one of the most common issues I hear about (especially with antique aircraft).

Power-wise, I agree with Dan that this would be a great application for electric.

Personally, I'm dreaming of an electric motorglider from Vans. Bring on the RV11!
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  #23  
Old 03-02-2012, 09:11 AM
WingsOnWheels WingsOnWheels is offline
 
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Location: Plano, TX
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If the RV-15 were a two-seater with at least 450lb full-fuel payload I would be interested. Otherwise I would just buy a used challenger with a 4-stoke.
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  #24  
Old 03-02-2012, 09:21 AM
csmith3603 csmith3603 is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Galveston Area
Posts: 20
Default New STOL RV-XX

Yep those RV-Masters are now trying to corner the Zenith Market?

The mistake they made with the RV-12 was tthere Comittment only to
RowTex 912 over seas manufacture that can't match a Lycoming or Continental AIRCRAFT engine.

The RV-7/8/9 rule....
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  #25  
Old 03-02-2012, 09:51 AM
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bhassel bhassel is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 963
Default RV-15

Affordable flying is the way to go right now at least for my wallet.

There are designs available for single seat VW based planes. The BK Flier comes to mind as well as the Thatcher CX-4 (although a two seat version the CX-5 should be flying this year). the legal eagle, Hummel and others. Two seat affordability would be great.

I have't seen the plans on the Thatcher but the BK Flier is being designed by someone that was frustrated by attempting to build a Hummelbird. Since I'm building a Hummel Ultracruiser I can understand the lack of detail in the buiding manual being really frustrating.

Van's has the kit prices nailed. Everyone seems to be within a couple of thou of each other for kit prices on two seaters - it's the other stuff that varies widely. To keep costs down this project would need to almost be scratch built (like the 3). Nothing wrong with that - its' fun (would be more fun if the quality of the plans and manuals were up to Van's standards).

I know when I asked about the KK-1 plans (even though I shouldn't have) one of the staff members let me know pretty quick that they stay in business because of the kits, no money in plans - especially when you have to support it.

I'd love to see/buy into something that Van's would design/sell like your concept of an RV-15. It wouldn't even have to be high wing! Throw a VW on the front and go!

From a business perspective, Van's has the infrastructre already to support, design and sell. They also have the market 7,000+ RV'ers. Is there wiggle room to do it and make them some money? I sure hope so!

Bob
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  #26  
Old 03-02-2012, 11:02 AM
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Buggsy2 Buggsy2 is offline
 
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Location: NorCal
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Gotta be two-seat. Otherwise it's just a kite. And electric, why not? We're experimental right?
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  #27  
Old 03-02-2012, 11:08 AM
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FresnoR FresnoR is offline
 
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Location: Fresno, CA
Posts: 479
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one more vote for two seat.

A metalized kitfox with RV Tail. Give me the folding wings and I'm all over it!
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  #28  
Old 03-02-2012, 11:22 AM
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randyintejas randyintejas is offline
 
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Location: Tyler, Texas
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I agree, it's gotta be a two seater. At some point everyone wants to share the flight. The wives of the world may only ride in it once but, if you want to build there had better be a place for her butt too.
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  #29  
Old 03-02-2012, 11:36 AM
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Luke D Luke D is offline
 
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Location: Albany, OR
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Other than the high wing, this has some similarities to the Onex.
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  #30  
Old 03-02-2012, 11:42 AM
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dmaib dmaib is offline
 
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Location: New Smyrna Beach, FL
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Two seats is important to me. I am, however, really enthusiastic about the concept. We love traveling in the RV-10, but the reality of $5 to $7 100LL on my retirement income is a real issue. I fit the demographic perfectly.
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