Help. RV's used in any military setting in any country?

[Kahuna]

Im trying to run down information on the use of any RV in any military/government setting for any purpose at all.

Im aware of the Nigerian AF use of the modified 6A, but in particular im looking for other examples. Where it be one RV-8 purchased to testing, used as a test bed, training, evaluation, or whatever.

Im simply in need of finding other examples of any kind.

If you know of an example, please respond here.
Thanks

[L'Avion]

Kahuna,

Why give the DHS, the TSA, and who knows what others any reason to go looking at RV's militarily?

Why would it not be in all our best interests if you deleted this thread?

Barney, in Memphis
RV-3 & -4 flying

[RV8R999]

I for one am very interested in the results.

I proposed to use my RV8 as a Low Slow Flyer target for my squadrons training. It would have been approved except I would have had to install a TACAN capable of Air-to-Air mode as a safety measure and that was cost prohibitive to me.


The DHS, TSA do not need VAF to think of this stuff - hence the permanent TFRs located throughout various parts or our country...

[AX-O]

post removed.

[az_gila]

Originally Posted by RV8R999

I for one am very interested in the results.

I proposed to use my RV8 as a Low Slow Flyer target for my squadrons training. It would have been approved except I would have had to install a TACAN capable of Air-to-Air mode as a safety measure and that was cost prohibitive to me.


The DHS, TSA do not need VAF to think of this stuff - hence the permanent TFRs located throughout various parts or our country...

Would that be in accordance with your Ops Limitations, or do you have to get some sort of waiver?

[FresnoR]

Originally Posted by L'Avion

Kahuna,

Why give the DHS, the TSA, and who knows what others any reason to go looking at RV's militarily?

Why would it not be in all our best interests if you deleted this thread?

Barney, in Memphis
RV-3 & -4 flying

Just imagine what could happen to Van's cost structure and economies of scale if some small countries military ordered a thousand RV-8s for training. We would all benefit.

[RV8R999]

Originally Posted by az_gila

Would that be in accordance with your Ops Limitations, or do you have to get some sort of waiver?

My Ops Lim do not mention flying as a Target for US Navy training so I'm not sure what waiver I would need? Consider it a day of formation and tail-chase between two or more aircraft over territorial waters off the coast. There was never going to be any compensation for the effort other than getting my squadron trained quicker and with less headaches.
At the time I was the CO of the squadron and we were within 1 year of our first combat deployment. Each of my 45 pilots needed to be trained and qualified for a certain mission set. Unfortunately I did not have direct control of the aircraft normally used as a target (T-34C) and it was very high in demand by other agencies. The idea was to use my RV8, pay for the gas myself, and get this huge training monkey off my back so we could concentrate on bigger fish. My boss felt the safety margins were too narrow without some way to positively ensure safe separation (even though the training was DAY VMC with pre-briefed intercepts), and wanted me to install TACAN AIR-2-AIR which was WAY too expensive for this purpose and a show stopper. My other option was to have an E-2 airborne during the training but this was as difficult as getting the original T-34C - show stopper #2. A totally random out of the blue encounter between an RV8 and squadron aircraft may or may not have occurred however.... forgiveness is far easier than permission

I suppose if a country had no military airpower what-so-ever a RV would be better than nothing but as soon as any mission equipment or ordnance capability were added the performance would drop off dramatically due to weight. A primary trainer would probably be the best role. my .02 only.

[SportAvServ]

Experientials have been used for military purposes. Here is one that didn't end well but he was flying an experimental for the military.

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?d...ec134dce587b#d

[fixnflyguy]

I think the 1966 American Electric Piranha was proof that an RV type aircraft was capable. Sure like to see more about that airplane.

[videobobk]

We have an RV in a military setting here in Indiana (no comments on foreign, okay?) It is being used for training--training National Guard troops here at the Patriot Academy how to build an airplane. They are only a few weeks into the program, but it has been reviewed by the National Commander of the N.G. I hope favorably, but that report hasn't been issued. It is drawing some attention, and the soldiers are really doing a great job.

It may happen that this or another RV-12 that they will build may be used for promotional purposes. Not exactly combat or even training, but I would be proud, anyway. They will have a website up on this soon and I will post it here.

Bob