PabloSniper
Active Member
Hey everyone,
First off, this is just a brainstorm. I have no intention of convincing anyone to build this, or to push for a kit — just putting the idea out there for discussion and curiosity.
I've been following the modern wave of tandem-seat, Rotax-powered aircraft like the Shark UL, TL Stream, and Flying Legend Tucano-R. These aircraft offer sleek looks, sporty handling, and reasonable operating costs.
It made me wonder: could a 90% scale RV-8, specifically optimized for a Rotax 912, 915, or even 916, fit into this same market niche?
A downsized RV-8, with about 7.1 m span (vs. 7.9 m) and 6.0 m length (vs. 6.7 m), could potentially offer:
- empty weight around ~378 kg (estimated)
- MTOW around ~655 kg (estimated)
- about 250 km/h cruise with a Rotax 912 (estimated)
- possibly 280–290 km/h with a Rotax 915 (estimated)
- fuel burn around 18–22 L/h depending on engine
- great handling and short-field performance
- still with the classic RV fighter-like tandem seating
Here’s a rough comparison with some of the current tandem Rotax-powered designs:
It’s also worth noting that at 90% scale, the RV-8’s dimensions would be very close to the classic RV-4, but with better cockpit ergonomics inherited from the RV-8 — and a structure purpose-built around modern Rotax engines from the start. This could combine the compact footprint of an RV-4 with the comfort of an RV-8, plus Rotax-level operating costs.
Even with fixed landing gear, a 90% RV-8 could still match the cruise speeds of these carbon-fiber competitors — especially when powered by a Rotax 915. And thanks to simpler construction, conventional materials, and Van’s-style engineering, it could come in significantly cheaper than most of them. That alone might make it attractive to many homebuilders.
I'd love to hear opinions:
Would there be interest among RV builders for this?
Could it be structurally feasible while keeping RV-like handling?
Any thoughts on best Rotax fit (912, 915, 916)?
Curious to hear the community’s perspective!
First off, this is just a brainstorm. I have no intention of convincing anyone to build this, or to push for a kit — just putting the idea out there for discussion and curiosity.
I've been following the modern wave of tandem-seat, Rotax-powered aircraft like the Shark UL, TL Stream, and Flying Legend Tucano-R. These aircraft offer sleek looks, sporty handling, and reasonable operating costs.
It made me wonder: could a 90% scale RV-8, specifically optimized for a Rotax 912, 915, or even 916, fit into this same market niche?
A downsized RV-8, with about 7.1 m span (vs. 7.9 m) and 6.0 m length (vs. 6.7 m), could potentially offer:
- empty weight around ~378 kg (estimated)
- MTOW around ~655 kg (estimated)
- about 250 km/h cruise with a Rotax 912 (estimated)
- possibly 280–290 km/h with a Rotax 915 (estimated)
- fuel burn around 18–22 L/h depending on engine
- great handling and short-field performance
- still with the classic RV fighter-like tandem seating
Here’s a rough comparison with some of the current tandem Rotax-powered designs:
Code:
| Aircraft | Span | Length | Wing Area | Empty Wt | MTOW | Cruise | Engine |
|------------|-------|--------|----------------|--------------------|-------------------|---------------------------------------------|-------------------|
| RV-8 90% | 7.1 m | 6.0 m | ~9.4 m² (est) | ~378 kg (est) | ~655 kg (est) | ~250 km/h (912) / ~280–290 km/h (915) (est) | Rotax 912/915/916 |
| Tucano-R | 8.41 m| 7.4 m | 10.5 m² | 520 kg | 750 kg | 220 km/h | Rotax 912/915 |
| TL Stream | 8.2 m | 6.9 m | 8.6 m² | 328 kg | 600 kg | 274 km/h | Rotax 912/915 |
| Shark UL | 8.2 m | 6.9 m | 9.8 m² | 297 kg | 600 kg | 300 km/h | Rotax 912/915 |
It’s also worth noting that at 90% scale, the RV-8’s dimensions would be very close to the classic RV-4, but with better cockpit ergonomics inherited from the RV-8 — and a structure purpose-built around modern Rotax engines from the start. This could combine the compact footprint of an RV-4 with the comfort of an RV-8, plus Rotax-level operating costs.
Even with fixed landing gear, a 90% RV-8 could still match the cruise speeds of these carbon-fiber competitors — especially when powered by a Rotax 915. And thanks to simpler construction, conventional materials, and Van’s-style engineering, it could come in significantly cheaper than most of them. That alone might make it attractive to many homebuilders.
I'd love to hear opinions:
Curious to hear the community’s perspective!
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