RV15 Prototype Sighting...

[Rallylancer122]

Originally Posted by BTG1996

I think Jay is right. RV15 will be a 175 and RV15A will replace 172....but with a stick, more spacious cabin, RV10ish useful load, and about 20 kts more in cruise.

A real four place, high-wing that can cruise at 135kts-140kts and be back-country capable would dominate the market. The only thing I can think of remotely similar is the Sportsman and that's a 2+2 and composite- not really comparable.

Will be cool to see what they come up with- I'm sure will be game changing like their last three introductions.

Ding-ding! Winner!

For those that say buy a 180, 2 problems:

1. You need thirsty 6 cylinder to get these numbers. I bet Vans can do it with an IO390.

2. It's not just about useful load, but space as well. Most of my friends and family just simply physically don't fit in the old narrow fuse Cessnas. Oh sure we can cram in, but who wants to spend 3 or 4 hours plastered up next to your buddy on a hot bumpy day. And winter with coats....its almost comical. All this class and comfort for only $150k. To those that aren't flying fanatics it's a tough sell.

[BTG1996]

It's not just about useful load, but space as well. Most of my friends and family just simply physically don't fit in the old narrow fuse Cessnas. Oh sure we can cram in, but who wants to spend 3 or 4 hours plastered up next to your buddy on a hot bumpy day. And winter with coats....its almost comical. All this class and comfort for only $150k. To those that aren't flying fanatics it's a tough sell.

So true- one of the many reasons I'm looking forward to getting the RV12is going is that the cabin on that little plane is wider than my 172....not much, but still. If that build doesn't take me forever or prove difficult I plan to start on a 10 or maybe a 15 if it's four place.

If the RV15 is as described and has an RV10/14 size cabin the Vans ordering email address will probably melt during oshkosh. Hahaha.

[mike newall]

Duhhhhhh

Found it !

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zon...MU7uGJ-ZUx84_U

[David Z]

Looks like the high speed is covered, not sure a back country capable.

[smokyray]

Originally Posted by Rallylancer122

Ding-ding! Winner!

For those that say buy a 180, 2 problems:

1. You need thirsty 6 cylinder to get these numbers. I bet Vans can do it with an IO390.

2. It's not just about useful load, but space as well. Most of my friends and family just simply physically don't fit in the old narrow fuse Cessnas. Oh sure we can cram in, but who wants to spend 3 or 4 hours plastered up next to your buddy on a hot bumpy day. And winter with coats....its almost comical. All this class and comfort for only $150k. To those that aren't flying fanatics it's a tough sell.

Ask, and ye shall receive:

https://www.dreamaircraft.com/site/i...dr=xl&sw_hdr=1

C175, size weight and appearance with Jays inputs. Check
IO390 up front: Check
1000 lb useful load, true 4 place cabin: Check
135 Knot Cruise @75%: Check
Experimental Kit Aircraft: Check

Can Van improve on “The Dream?” I’m certain. Will the 15 be similar?
I’m counting on it!

V/R
Smokey

Marketable: Check
https://www.controller.com/listing/f...built-aircraft

[grubbat]

Well, I guess now that Mr Smokey has shared his pic of the RV-15, guess I’ll share mine........ albeit sideways.....

[Ironflight]

Originally Posted by smokyray

Ask, and ye shall receive:

https://www.dreamaircraft.com/site/i...dr=xl&sw_hdr=1

C175, size weight and appearance with Jays inputs. Check
IO390 up front: Check
1000 lb useful load, true 4 place cabin: Check
135 Knot Cruise @75%: Check
Experimental Kit Aircraft: Check

Can Van improve on “The Dream?” I’m certain. Will the 15 be similar?
I’m counting on it!

V/R
Smokey

Marketable: Check
https://www.controller.com/listing/f...built-aircraft

Uhh, yeah….no. Excellent concept, and not a bad prototype - but refinement to the design is necessary - only about 15-18 have flown, worldwide, ours being among them. Lots of little developmental problems that could be fixed by the engineers if they were still around, but it was a hobby business, and if you want the program, I was told the entire company (IP, tooling, inventory) was for sale for $600K.

I am thinking that ours will go to a tech school someday after we have stripped everything useful from it for another project…..

It is, however, right in the sweet spot for weight and performance, as you suggest! (IMHO)

[smokyray]

Awesome Paul/Craig, always wondered what the "real story" was on the Tundra!
Owning the M5 has been a hoot, flashback to my youth but amazingly capable.

That's what the RV15 forte' should be...Utility!

V/R
Smokey

PS: Love that Bushwhacker!

[DennisRhodes]

Was an owner of a M5 "Lunar Rocket" it one time. I was a blast to fly with the Cont IO 210C Continental 6-cyl IO-360 w/ McCauley CS prop, and could haul anything you could get the doors to close around. Had Razorback Fuselage and metal wings with razorback tail surfaces. A trip or two down to Maule Aircraft in south GA had the feel of a family organization and pride in their product.

[smokyray]

Originally Posted by DennisRhodes

Was an owner of a M5 "Lunar Rocket" it one time. I was a blast to fly with the Cont IO 210C Continental 6-cyl IO-360 w/ McCauley CS prop, and could haul anything you could get the doors to close around. Had Razorback Fuselage and metal wings with razorback tail surfaces. A trip or two down to Maule Aircraft in south GA had the feel of a family organization and pride in their product.

Dennis, true enough sir. My association goes way back to the late 70's when BD Maule himself trusted a punk 22yr old "wet ink" Commercial Pilot to ferry a brand new M5 to MT. I still get regular texts from Brent his grandson.

My current M5 with the same 0-360 as my RV4 and 6 will easily takeoff at GW (1035 lbs onboard) in under 500' and climb at 800-1000 fpm to 7500' and true at 125 Knots. RV15 designers notwithstanding, that's some great capability.

Recently when traveling to Upper MI to visit my sister an overly helpful line guy left one of my fuel caps loose and it went to "who knows where" MI. A quick call to Kasey in parts at Maule Air and one was in the mail..

Yup, family...

Smokey