Van's drops further RV–15 hints

During a recent Experimental Aircraft Association webinar, Van’s officials said that the Oregon company’s first high-wing kit aircraft designed for off-airport operations will have:

• Two seats.
• At least 200 pounds of baggage in a voluminous cargo area.
• At least 900 pounds of useful load.
• A top speed in level flight of 140 knots or more.
• The capacity to carry 60 gallons of fuel in two wing tanks.

Changes incorporated into the production kits include:

• The flap handle will be placed on the floor.
• The wing will be moved slightly aft.
• The fuselage will be slightly longer.
• The landing gear will be taller.
• The engine will move one inch forward and one inch down.
• The slope of the windshield will increase for better aesthetics.
• The wing strut will be tapered to reduce drag.

The company showed video of the RV–15 test aircraft powered by a 210-horsepower Lycoming IO-390 engine and a Hartzell constant-speed propeller taking off with a five-second, 230-foot ground roll while carrying a moderate load in calm winds near sea level. It climbed out at about 2,000 feet per minute at 65 KIAS and a 20-degree nose-up pitch attitude, then landed with a ground roll of about 150 feet.

Van’s wouldn’t say, however, when RV–15 kits will be available or how much they’ll cost.