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2026 RV-12iS Upgrades
- Thread starter rv12is
- Start date
Alternate intake air. Couldn't get a good look at how they're doing this one. But did get a picture of the control for it.
To me, the most interesting thing in this picture is what isn't there. The fuel shut-off is missing! Don't know if it's gone completely, or just relocated. This could be related to another item that comes up later on the list...
To me, the most interesting thing in this picture is what isn't there. The fuel shut-off is missing! Don't know if it's gone completely, or just relocated. This could be related to another item that comes up later on the list...
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Auxillary alternator. Again, couldn't get a look at this one.
However, the opening in the cowling just to the right off the alternator has been filled in, with a tube directing air somewhere. Presumably, this could be cooling for the alternator.
According to Van's, the original electrical system had enough capacity to add the heated pitot tube. However, with everything on it exceeded the 80% of system capacity allowed by the ASTM standards. So additional charging was required.
Switch and breaker added to left side of the central panel. Again, no on/off markings yet.
However, the opening in the cowling just to the right off the alternator has been filled in, with a tube directing air somewhere. Presumably, this could be cooling for the alternator.
According to Van's, the original electrical system had enough capacity to add the heated pitot tube. However, with everything on it exceeded the 80% of system capacity allowed by the ASTM standards. So additional charging was required.
Switch and breaker added to left side of the central panel. Again, no on/off markings yet.
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Flight Youth Engineering
Member
Enhanced Crosswind Capability?
Does anyone know what the upgrade is?
Larger Rudder?
Does anyone know what the upgrade is?
Larger Rudder?
Taxiing already requires lots of braking. Larger rudder could make it impossible to taxi in more wind. I'm not an engineer, though, so not sure what it would take to increase crosswind capabilities yet still be able to drive to the hangar.
Thank you for sharing and for the detailed photos!
Two questions:
Any changes on the wheel pants so that you can put air in the tires without removal?
Any changes to the usb power to have usb-c?
(Original Rv-12 has a cigarette lighter plug - so you can use anything you want within the amp limits. Our RV-12is has USB A only ports. )
Two questions:
Any changes on the wheel pants so that you can put air in the tires without removal?
Any changes to the usb power to have usb-c?
(Original Rv-12 has a cigarette lighter plug - so you can use anything you want within the amp limits. Our RV-12is has USB A only ports. )
There are plenty of small and cheap adapters like these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXP85GXH?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_29
I just noticed these aren't available but there are several others down the page.
The radiator and oil cooler mounting has changed significantly. Now instead of mounting to the engine, they mount to the cowling.
From what I could see, the bottom of the oil cooler has two pins that drop into a new bracket on the cowl. Then above the radiator there are two screws used to attach the top side of this assembly. This mounting appears to greatly reduce the gap between the coolers and the cowl. I would expect this to completely solve the leaking radiator problem.
Also note the riveted heat muff. No idea if this is a change they plan on incorporating.
From what I could see, the bottom of the oil cooler has two pins that drop into a new bracket on the cowl. Then above the radiator there are two screws used to attach the top side of this assembly. This mounting appears to greatly reduce the gap between the coolers and the cowl. I would expect this to completely solve the leaking radiator problem.
Also note the riveted heat muff. No idea if this is a change they plan on incorporating.
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I'm assuming this is fuel injected only. It was described to me as a larger filter and larger fuel pumps in a slightly different configuration. This will allow any bubbles that form to float back into the fuel tank before getting sucked into the fuel system.
Unfortunately no pictures here.
We use a cable that does the adapting.
The issue is really that the “a” plug is unable to put out enough power to keep a modern iPad in use running foreflight from slowly draining.
I also see a parking brake. Very nice!
That muff has been there for a while. rcarsey caught it on video a few years ago. I'm curious why it hasn't been made available yet?
Moving the coolers to the cowl has to complicate cowl removal doesn't it? What am I missing there?
It’s an update to the POH. No physical changes.
They said it was mostly about new upgraded fuel pumps from Rotax.
What's the new number?
Have no clue. If they have released that number, I have not heard yet.
My thought, too, when reading that. Maybe some sort of quick disconnect valve? Air in cooling system or the oil system would not be ideal.
I suspect a lot of these changes are due to feed back from flight schools, especially items like heated pitot, extra electricity. This gets ready for MOSAIC which I think will eliminate the restriction on IMC flight, not that I'd suggest it in this very light bird.
The IMC restriction comes from ASTM, not the FAA - MOSAIC doesn't change it.
It looks like they've designed it so the cooler assembly can be removed from the cowling with only a few screws. I'm guessing the intention is it remains attached to the engine whenever the lower cowling is removed.
The change list was in regards to S-LSA. I don't know which ones will get incorporated into a standard E-LSA build. But I suspect many of them will eventually become available as optional upgrades.
rcarsey
Well Known Member
When this plane was at OSH 2023 (when it was orange), it featured an undisclosed new heat muff. It was similar to this final design in the sense that it wasn't held together by hose clamps and a prayer, but it was bulker.
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Bavarian911
I'm New Here
I am wondering with the new MOSAIC rules Van is increasing MTOW and engine power ( Rotax 916 )
Thoughts ?
Thoughts ?
AeroEngineer
Well Known Member
A 916 is a big step from a 912! It would require a new engine mount, a new cowl, strengthening of the structure around them, probably stiffening of the wing and tail structure to increase VNE, and probably some minor redesigns to keep the CG in the right place despite the heavier engine in the nose (e.g. move batteries to the back, maybe move the wings forward just a hair).
A 914, on the other hand, should be relatively easy…
Do you have information on this new fuel pump? I can’t find it on Lockwood site. Did they Say anything about field upgrades to existing SLSA?
When I decided to make my Kitfox IV IFR I added an alternate static source. Used the same "switch". It looks like an electrical switch but is actually a valve that opens to the cabin when turned "on". I get a change in airspeed and altitude at cruise but at pattern/approach speeds, the change is just a knot or two and less than 10 feet in altitude. Would be easy to add to an existing RV12 although the static line would have to be routed to the switch location from the AHARS.
2 Way Toggle Switch - Steel Toggle | Aircraft Spruce ®
2 Way Toggle Switch - Steel Toggle 2-Way Toggle Switch, (1/8 inch NPT Male Inlet) for alternate static air source.
Henry
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I don’t. Sorry!
The existing demonstrator was upgraded from the existing design with all new features. They said they are working on an upgrade path for existing airplanes.
It looks like ASTM is addressing this:
Henry
A spy at the show tells me it looks remarkably like its been lifted from the Rotax 915/916 engine.
John.
Does the new heated pitot tube include a regulator, both Dynon and Garmin offer this feature? I'll be at OSH Friday thru Sunday to ask them directly. If so, how does the regulator mount inside the wing? How does the wiring route at the wing root, is there an additional disconnect adapter?
MechaSteve
Well Known Member
It almost certainly does, as this was part of the ASTM proposal. The cost is also minimal relative to the power savings and fire safety.
The demonstrator is also now SLSA (I think it used to be ELSA).
One one hand, this seems like it could be a simple and useful mod aside from having to crack open a well bled brake system.
On the other hand I can't help but think about the legend of "Hunter", and associated advice from the hosts of that AOPA maintenance podcast.
MechaSteve
Well Known Member
Looks like it will be a "holding brake" much like a C162 has (if it has not broken).
You have to apply the brakes (firmly) and then engage the "parking brake".
You have to apply the brakes (firmly) and then engage the "parking brake".
That’s pretty much how all of them work that I have seen installed on RV’s.
I spoke to one of the Van’s engineers at Oshkosh yesterday, who is involved in the upgrade of the long-backordered RV-12iS radiators. He said they actually have the new radiators on hand from the supplier, but are finishing development of an upgrade kit that will allow attachment of the radiator and oil cooler to the lower cowl instead of the engine, as in John’s (RV12is) description and photos. He was pretty certain the radiator and installation kit/instructions would be shipping to those of us in the backorder queue over the next couple of weeks. This upgrade is expected to completely eliminate the radiator failures that are related to attachment directly to the engine. Long wait for many of us, but I’m glad to be able to install the latest fix.
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Maybe means that those of us with engine kits in the pipeline might also see the new design? If so, that's the best news I've heard from Van's this year, and would sure help my pessimism out!
John,
Can you share more info on this upgrade?
Is this new radiator different than the revised radiator already shipping - modified for use with SB-00088 Rev 2 mounting configuration.
Asking since I already have that radiator, not yet installed, and wondering if this upgrade kit for cowl mounting can use the revised radiator I have.
Thanks,
Steve
I think it’s the same revised radiator, but with the completely different mounting. The oil cooler is also attached to the lower cowl. Both are attached with hardware that is easily removable, and the prototype has braided cables that allow the radiator and oil cooler to be disconnected and just hang from the cables when the cowling is removed. I’d call them to get a definitive answer.
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