What class of bushcraft do you think they are working on?

[akschu]

I’m sure they have a size/weight of engine picked out. Do you think it’s a:

Light 2 seat like a kit fox or rans s-21? Something in the 800-900lb range with 100+ hp?

Perhaps a 2+2 setup like a Glassair or Bearhawk patrol in the 1100-1200lb range and 180+hp?

Or more like bearhawk 4place or moose size with 1500lb+ and 260+hp?

[PaulvS]

What do I think? -
...Not LSA-like 100hp Rotax, because there are already lots of those around.
Probably a more exciting version of C170/C180/C172/C182, because they were so popular.
"Total Performance" speed range of 38 knots to 130 knots.
Seating 2+2 or 2+200 lbs.
Lycoming engine 4 cylinder multiple options including160 hp to 210 hp.
Re-use of existing model parts e.g. RV14 empennage.
A clever wing with fowler flaps.

Time will tell and I'm probably wrong because I really thought Vans was too busy to introduce a new model just now!

[Southern Pete]

My guess is the back end, wings & FWF of an RV-14 with a new centre fuselage.
Perhaps the RV-16 is a 4 seat version using RV-10 parts?
Pete

[NTex]

Originally Posted by akschu

I’m sure they have a size/weight of engine picked out. Do you think it’s a:

Light 2 seat like a kit fox or rans s-21? Something in the 800-900lb range with 100+ hp?

Perhaps a 2+2 setup like a Glassair or Bearhawk patrol in the 1100-1200lb range and 180+hp?

Or more like bearhawk 4place or moose size with 1500lb+ and 260+hp?

I don't think it will be option A), since Ken already designed that plane:

https://vashonaircraft.com/ranger.php

I'd like to see option b) or c): a C180/185 clone, with a ly/con 6 cylinder that can cruise ~150+

[PhatRV]

Here are my top three choices for the future RV15

Replacement for the C180, Glastar, or the Bearhawk

I prefer the C180 size aircraft.

[Norman CYYJ]

I think that these posts are providing Vans with a great deal of amusement.

[MacCool]

Originally Posted by Norman CYYJ

I think that these posts are providing Vans with a great deal of amusement.

...and maybe some food for thought

[Ralph Inkster]

Na... not food for thought. They already have it nailed!

[12vaitor]

How about an affordable version of Mike Patey's Scrappy. Talk about design innovation in a backcountry airplane!

I expect a scaled up Vashon Ranger with an IO-390. It would fit well with Van's manufacturing capabilities / kit designs. The tailcone design should be interesting for a tail dragger version presuming they are not getting in the tube frame fuselage business.

John Salak
RV-12 N896HS

[N8DAV8R]

Originally Posted by 12vaitor

How about an affordable version of Mike Patey's Scrappy. Talk about design innovation in a backcountry airplane!

I hope the Van's folks will design an airplane where the mission has something to do with actual flying. Scrappy was designed to solicit YouTube subscriptions and likes and promote things at air shows.

I don't think we'll see air adjustable ride height, NOS, carbon over tube, 11 displays, and a double slatted wing in anything from Van's. Maybe they'll throw the YouTube fans a bone and design in a chute though...that would be a twist.

I think the "affordable version" is a Cub variant that hasn't been turned into a spectacle.