RV-15
Affordable flying is the way to go right now at least for my wallet.
There are designs available for single seat VW based planes. The
BK Flier comes to mind as well as the
Thatcher CX-4 (although a two seat version the CX-5 should be flying this year). the legal eagle, Hummel and others. Two seat affordability would be great.
I have't seen the plans on the Thatcher but the BK Flier is being designed by someone that was frustrated by attempting to build a Hummelbird. Since I'm building a Hummel Ultracruiser I can understand the lack of detail in the buiding manual being really frustrating.
Van's has the kit prices nailed. Everyone seems to be within a couple of thou of each other for kit prices on two seaters - it's the other stuff that varies widely. To keep costs down this project would need to almost be scratch built (like the 3). Nothing wrong with that - its' fun (would be more fun if the quality of the plans and manuals were up to Van's standards).
I know when I asked about the KK-1 plans (even though I shouldn't have) one of the staff members let me know pretty quick that they stay in business because of the kits, no money in plans - especially when you have to support it.
I'd love to see/buy into something that Van's would design/sell like your concept of an RV-15. It wouldn't even have to be high wing! Throw a VW on the front and go!
From a business perspective, Van's has the infrastructre already to support, design and sell. They also have the market 7,000+ RV'ers. Is there wiggle room to do it and make them some money? I sure hope so!
Bob