EPIC REVIEW of the RV-15 Vans Aircraft

[@FlyVansAircraft]

Pretty good analysis. Worthy of comments. :) We were waiting for someone to do this. There are some features you just can't see (we can talk about those at OSH), and a couple things you mentioned were not quite correct... Early flight - not the first flight. Very close on your the take-off roll estimation. Yes - Flaps were up. Prop correction: Hartzell prop. Big one. Constant Speed. Fairings come later. This is a test prototype. Push rod controls. Standard Van's style design. Trapeze handles are in fact for emergency door jettison. Good catch! The pilot definitely works for Van's. Great guy, and accomplished test pilot. Softie is actually a parachute brand. :) Correct on the in-airframe latching mechanism. Again, keep in mind that *everything* is an engineering prototype design at this point. The fuel tank in the right seat area is for the test article airplane. Flexibility in test loading, engineering changes, etc.

[@rcarsey]

Good to hear I was in the ballpark on some items. Unfortunately my play on "Mr. Softee" was lost on everyone -- an ice cream brand name I grew up with..but just now realized its really just a New Jersey thing we have out here. Epic fail on my part about the propeller. I'm still calling it a composite prop though (just based on its color). But the fact that its constant speed gives a good sense of what type of HP range we're looking at... though the cowl looks a little short to be housing a 6-cylinder.. so that's 160hp-215hp range.. and more likely toward the upper end 180, 200, or 215hp options. Now, tell me it has single-lever FADEC control.. and I'll have to start using that Japanese anime "wowwww" sound in all my future videos. Only 16 more days till we get more deets on this one.. Hope you guys reserved the largest forums venue they have for Tuesday morning!

[@jms241965]

I’m building an RV12 too on Long Island…nice to have Vans comment on your channel.

[@aggibson74]

nice work! that poor test pilot will now always be known as Softie around the vans shop.

[@kalynstalinski8375]

The prop looks like it’s a hartzell trailblazer. A composite constant speed that is quite popular for backcountry aircraft. The engine is almost certainly a lycoming 4 cylinder (I’m guessing either an io360 or 390) based on the sound. And back tracking a bit, the long probe from the wing is in fact a pitot tube. It sticks out that far to get as clean a reading as possible for testing. And you are correct, all Van’s aircraft use pushrod controls.

[@galactictomato1434]

Absolutely love the all (plexi)glass doors. Disappointed this isn't a 4 seater competing with the Sling HW

[@PaulHuckaby]

Of course that is not where the fuel tank is going to be - that is a ballast to simulate a passenger

[@OldSloGuy]

Back country is the watch word here. I doubt that Vans would be marketing a plane for the Amazon basin. So, back country is alpine or lakes and rivers. That brings up floats, and skis for winter. Maybe, its forte is limited all purpose. It won't carry as much as a Bison, or Caravan. Hauling lumber for a fishing shack? More likely, hauling an Alaska Mill to make your own lumber for a fishing shack. As far as hangers go, a 40+ foot span hanger designed for a 15 foot snow load is beyond pricey and getting it to the back country might toke something like an Erickson Sky Crane and then their is the crew and equipment to erect it.Take the wings off and a single car garage would do the trick. Built as an a-frame, the snow gets shed and its not tall enough to become a sail. That could be done with the Alaska Mill. Are we talking about true living off grid or fair weather sportsmen?

[@demezon6572]

RV15-predecessor (and follower) has already been flying for three years. Go check the Vashon Aircraft. These two are a bit of twins, or maybe brothers.

[@jimwhitaker8751]

Well . . . you should have watched the interviews that were given at OSH around the 15. The "Prez" of Van's said that there were no intesection farings on right now because they wanted to get it flying. The horner wing tips were temporary and the wing will probably be shortened to accomodate some clearance for a standard hangar door (36'). He said the wing was at 35' at present but will be shortened to 34'.The close up pictures in the hangar clearly showed the PULLED RIVETS. As for the gas tank . . . well perhaps the engineers should have ask you where you thought it should be since you said it needs to go. Where do you want it. Very indepth review though. However, you should have watched the videos of the interviews as there were more than a few.

[@rcarsey]

This video was a week before OSH :)

[@HeeHawHighlander]

Of course it would have wing tanks!

[@leer3286]

Flying anything is now a rich man’s hobby. I have a ppl, was working on instrument rating, got to expensive, had bills to pay.

[@oscarlindelof1736]

10:28..29. was interior...

[@PoochAndBoo]

I'm surprised to see Vans go in this direction. There's nothing special about this design and almost seems like a step backwards for them. This really just looks like another high wing taildragger like so many others. Not so sure it warranted such a deep examination.