VAN’S Drops Further RV-15 Hints 

OR – The highly anticipated RV–15 will differ from the engineering test aircraft unveiled at EAA Air Venture Oshkosh 2022, Van’s Aircraft officials said. 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 would 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 a 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 when RV–15 kits will be available or how much they’ll cost.