See the other threads as well as Doug's smug mug link.
https://dougreeves.smugmug.com/RV-15-Engineering-Prototype/
Great pictures! Didn't realized it was all pulled rivets. Bet that goes together quick!
See the other threads as well as Doug's smug mug link.
https://dougreeves.smugmug.com/RV-15-Engineering-Prototype/
See the other threads as well as Doug's smug mug link.
https://dougreeves.smugmug.com/RV-15-Engineering-Prototype/
Since manhandling via stabilator is probably not a good idea, a lift handle in the tail like 180s have would be a good addition for ground handling. We had one in our Sportsman also.
They could just paint it on there like the
Blueprint airplane I have seen.
Boomer
Is it possible they used pulled rivets to simplify and speed up construction of the engineering prototype?Real bush planes have pulled rivets or at least universal head bumps everywhere!
Cue the Beaver...!!!
I'm guessing a mix of regular pop, cherrymax and universal head?
Y'all wanna build another -8/9/10/14 or a real bush plane??!!
Come on now!
Besides the pulled method will knock a year off construction I'll bet. My kids and I built the RV12 wings in 3-4 weeks!
The "Gurney Flap" on the stabilator looks way too tall. There is a NASA paper from about 1989 on the proper size. I think I still have a copy from my car racing days. A larger than desired Gurney Flap causes a large increase in drag, without a substantial increase in pitching moment or "lift", so it does no good. Also, the Gurney Flap's main purpose is to keep the lower surface flow attached all the way to the trailing edge; I am guessing this improves elevator feel.
From my experience, I would guess it should be no more than 1/8" tall.I am not there to measure it so it is hard to tell exactly how tall it really is. JMHO. YMMV
I am just a little bit bummed by the cargo door as depicted. I was hoping for a full-size door on one side in the bay immediately behind the pilot access door. Kinda like what you see on many pickup trucks nowadays. I'd like to be able to open the door and stuff bikes in.
I'm sure there are serious structural consequences. The door frame is already going to be a beast to have the crew doors nice and big. Having two doors right next to each other would certainly compound the problem, but I think it would be worth the extra weight and trouble.
Here is a link to an interview with Rian Johnson from Flyer Magazine (U.K. magazine).
https://youtu.be/eeQi6kAf9a8
Anyone hear any ballpark estimates on kit cost? As cool as it looks, I fear, based on its size, that this will be at least as expensive as the -10 and will price the vast majority of us out. Hoping I’m wrong though.
Looks like the same engine cowl as my RV6?
Really interesting interview. Was struck by how this is still very much an engineering test bed rather than the finished design, talking about changing wingspan, flap size, fuselage length. Lots of work to do and resources required before producing the finished kit by the sounds of it.
Great to get so much insight into the designers thought processes.
I was also surprised to hear at the end of the interview that kits would be available in 12-18 months. I'm interested in floats, so it was nice to hear Rian Johnson is also interested in floats. Perhaps it's more likely we will see float attach points included in the standard kit/build.
I'm surprised Vans was able to be so tight-lipped about RV-15 development status over the past year. However, now that the cat's out of the bag, hopefully they'll be more forthcoming with updates on test status and final configuration. Really looking forward to hearing about cruise speed, fuel tank capacity/location, final dimensions (I have a small garage) and rivet options. I'd hate to have to wait until OSH 2023 for answers to those questions.
Is the prototype built out of 2024 or 6061 aluminum?
Originally Posted by alpinelakespilot2000 View Post
Anyone hear any ballpark estimates on kit cost? As cool as it looks, I fear, based on its size, that this will be at least as expensive as the -10 and will price the vast majority of us out. Hoping I’m wrong though.
Van's has always been the leader in kit aircraft value..... I expect Van's will be able to beat the finished price of a Kitfox. This is his biggest competitor in this category.
Van's has always been the leader in kit aircraft value..... I expect Van's will be able to beat the finished price of a Kitfox. This is his biggest competitor in this category.
Is the prototype built out of 2024 or 6061 aluminum?
I am just really hoping for a 2+2 config. I really would like them to take my money....
????????
Have you actually looked at the size of the baggage area of a Kitfox compare to the RV-15? Or compared the useful load of each?
What do you think the odds the kit will be offered in a "front country" version.....wheel pants, fairings, etc....
This is no kitfox. 2000 lb gross and 140 kts and massive cargo area. This is much closer to the Glasair Sportsman.
????????
Have you actually looked at the size of the baggage area of a Kitfox compare to the RV-15? Or compared the useful load of each?
Van's has always been the leader in kit aircraft value..... I expect Van's will be able to beat the finished price of a Kitfox. This is his biggest competitor in this category.
As you can see, there are pluses on both sides and both company's will do well, but Van's will again provide the best BANG for the buck.......
I am just a little bit bummed by the cargo door as depicted. I was hoping for a full-size door on one side in the bay immediately behind the pilot access door. Kinda like what you see on many pickup trucks nowadays. I'd like to be able to open the door and stuff bikes in.
I'm sure there are serious structural consequences. The door frame is already going to be a beast to have the crew doors nice and big. Having two doors right next to each other would certainly compound the problem, but I think it would be worth the extra weight and trouble.
The "Gurney Flap" on the stabilator looks way too tall. There is a NASA paper from about 1989 on the proper size. I think I still have a copy from my car racing days. A larger than desired Gurney Flap causes a large increase in drag, without a substantial increase in pitching moment or "lift", so it does no good. Also, the Gurney Flap's main purpose is to keep the lower surface flow attached all the way to the trailing edge; I am guessing this improves elevator feel.
From my experience, I would guess it should be no more than 1/8" tall.I am not there to measure it so it is hard to tell exactly how tall it really is. JMHO. YMMV
I am just a little bit bummed by the cargo door as depicted. I was hoping for a full-size door on one side in the bay immediately behind the pilot access door. Kinda like what you see on many pickup trucks nowadays. I'd like to be able to open the door and stuff bikes in.
I'm sure there are serious structural consequences. The door frame is already going to be a beast to have the crew doors nice and big. Having two doors right next to each other would certainly compound the problem, but I think it would be worth the extra weight and trouble.
It’s a temporary engineering test configuration/tool being used to add some pitch control force feedback via the stick. The next version of the stabilator will take into account what the engineering team has learned from this phase. No intention to leave it on the airplane as a permanent feature.
I might have missed it in the 35 pages of thread so far but anyone know the wingspan? Looks pretty wide.
I might have missed it in the 35 pages of thread so far but anyone know the wingspan? Looks pretty wide.
The stretch version with a back seat looks to be an easy add on to the RV15 line.
That sure sounds like a 4 cylinder Lyc, or Cont aircraft engine in the video, but turning it into an O-470 stretched 4 seater should be an easy follow on to that line.
Prototype is 34’, but gong to be less for production to “fit in hangers” Currently the wing has 170 sq.ft.
I heard 35' but may be reduced to fit in a T-Hangar.
If I remember correctly, the RV12 prototype was flush riveted, but was too fast to meet LSA standards so they re worked with pull rivets.