I really like the RV-12 concept. At the local airport yesterday, I found myself looking at a Grumman / American AA1A 2 seat Trainer / Lynx and couldn?t help but compare the two aircraft.
The most obvious difference is that the AA1 does not qualify as an LSA due to its MGTW of 1500 lbs. and it?s stall speed of 51 kts. The RV-12, of course was specifically designed to meet these requirements.
Other comparisons; AA1A vs. RV-12:
Engine: Lyc O-235 (108HP) vs. Rotax 912 (100HP)
Useful Load (typical): 493 vs. 580 lbs.
Wingspan: 25.5 vs. 26.9 feet
Usable Fuel: 24 vs. 20 gal
Full Fuel Payload: 349 vs. 460 lbs
Wing Loading: 12.6 vs. 10.4 lbs/ sq ft
Power Loading: 15 vs. 13.2 lbs /hp
Cabin Width: 41 vs. 43 inches
Cabin height: 45 vs. 41 inches
Baggage area capacity: 100 vs. 50 lbs.
Fuel location: wings vs. fuselage
Canopy Operation: slider (can be opened in flight) vs. tipper
Control System: yoke vs. stick
Cruise Speed: 132 mph vs 131 mph
Range with reserve: 350 miles vs. 458 miles
Fuel Consumption: 5.7 gph vs. 4.7 gph
Rate of Climb: 765 Ft / Min. vs. 900 Ft / Min.
Takeoff Roll: 700 Ft vs. 700 Ft.
Landing Roll: 395 Ft. vs. 525 Ft.
As you can see, the RV-12 is a LITTLE better in most categories. Arguably, a lot better in rate of climb. And ? it?s an LSA and has removable wings. But, where does the little Grumman shine?
Purchase Price: $20,000 vs. $70,000 - $80,000
The most obvious difference is that the AA1 does not qualify as an LSA due to its MGTW of 1500 lbs. and it?s stall speed of 51 kts. The RV-12, of course was specifically designed to meet these requirements.
Other comparisons; AA1A vs. RV-12:
Engine: Lyc O-235 (108HP) vs. Rotax 912 (100HP)
Useful Load (typical): 493 vs. 580 lbs.
Wingspan: 25.5 vs. 26.9 feet
Usable Fuel: 24 vs. 20 gal
Full Fuel Payload: 349 vs. 460 lbs
Wing Loading: 12.6 vs. 10.4 lbs/ sq ft
Power Loading: 15 vs. 13.2 lbs /hp
Cabin Width: 41 vs. 43 inches
Cabin height: 45 vs. 41 inches
Baggage area capacity: 100 vs. 50 lbs.
Fuel location: wings vs. fuselage
Canopy Operation: slider (can be opened in flight) vs. tipper
Control System: yoke vs. stick
Cruise Speed: 132 mph vs 131 mph
Range with reserve: 350 miles vs. 458 miles
Fuel Consumption: 5.7 gph vs. 4.7 gph
Rate of Climb: 765 Ft / Min. vs. 900 Ft / Min.
Takeoff Roll: 700 Ft vs. 700 Ft.
Landing Roll: 395 Ft. vs. 525 Ft.
As you can see, the RV-12 is a LITTLE better in most categories. Arguably, a lot better in rate of climb. And ? it?s an LSA and has removable wings. But, where does the little Grumman shine?
Purchase Price: $20,000 vs. $70,000 - $80,000