Introducing the RV-15!

[FlyNSoCal]

Originally Posted by PhatRV

What is this round access panel to the rear of the pilot?

The access panel appears to be on a box next to him, rather than the rear. Looks like it is at elbow height. I wonder if it's a fuel tank. Looking at the wings, I don't see fuel drain valves. If there is fuel in the wings, I wonder if it is forward of the spar (like most RVs) or aft (like the Cessnas). The region forward of the spar has mechanical linkage. Maybe aileron? No idea what the foam handles could be.

Baggage area looks large. Hard to tell if it could fit back seats. I see no baggage door which leads me to believe two seater only.

[Mike S]

Cowl flaps?

[Mike S]

Originally Posted by dstates

So, what made them release this video?

Great idea for cheap advertising exposure

[PhatRV]

Originally Posted by FlyNSoCal

The access panel appears to be on a box next to him, rather than the rear. Looks like it is at elbow height. I wonder if it's a fuel tank. Looking at the wings, I don't see fuel drain valves. If there is fuel in the wings, I wonder if it is forward of the spar (like most RVs) or aft (like the Cessnas). The region forward of the spar has mechanical linkage. Maybe aileron? No idea what the foam handles could be.

Baggage area looks large. Hard to tell if it could fit back seats. I see no baggage door which leads me to believe two seater only.

The control linkage push-rod is located right at the leading edge, above the "A-pillar". You can see the bell-crank in the video. So the fuel tank can be behind the forward spar, and the sump tank inside like the RV12. All guessing right now.

[PhatRV]

Originally Posted by FlyNSoCal

Baggage area looks large. Hard to tell if it could fit back seats. I see no baggage door which leads me to believe two seater only.

Another Youtube channel commented about the large cabin space. It looks as though it is more cavernous than the exterior shot would suggest. This follows my comment about the RV15 filling in the market niche of the Glasair Sportman. Also about the RV14 cowl flap, and the large cabin size, then this is in the Sportman class of airplane, definitely larger than Super Cub size.

[mr.sun]

I think those foam handles are emergency door releases. Cables to pull door hinge pins. Pilot is wearing chute. Presumably for flight testing only.

[penguin]

Am I the only one who is disappointed to see struts?

[gasman]

Struts make a wing very strong and very light. A passthrough spar would take up a lot of headspace and make removing the wings 10 times harder.

Van was able to make the landing gear all but disappear for speeds under 250 mph... maybe he will do the same for the struts.

I really don't expect the top speed to exceed 140kts. with a landing speed of no less than 38kts. I hope I am wrong on both ends.

[cvairwerks]

Originally Posted by PhatRV

What is this round access panel to the rear of the pilot?

I'd bet that it's a water ballast tank for CG testing.

[Dirt911]

Originally Posted by penguin

Am I the only one who is disappointed to see struts?

I’m actually relieved to see struts, hopefully one can use them as a step for fueling. Step ladders don’t work for floats or ski ops