RV-15 TEST PROTOTYPE AIRCRAFT REVEAL

[@FrankZambaras]

Whoa!!! Is that a HIGH WING on an RV? Awesome job.

[@CaptainChaooooos]

Fantastic looking high wing R.V. Cant wait to see it at Oshkosh!

[@FF280O]

So I’m thinking it could be a 4seater, the view forward could be very good, big side views and the door looks like it prides great access. Good size tail so the control at slow speeds will be great. I like what I see

[@rceric1]

I’m not sure I’ll ever recover from this financially…if it has 4 seats.

[@banzaiib]

if you build it, you can always sell it... :)

[@fonatig]

i really like it! amazing job! can't wait to see the first home built rv-15s

[@N84ZM]

I was lucky enough to be there yesterday and see it take off in person. Nice climbing performance! Still decided on an RV-14 for me, but this one looks nice too.

[@fireplaceforyourhome]

Awesome! Mr Softie is putting it through it's first flights! Cannot wait to see it in person.

[@forrestallison1879]

Welp, they did it. Everyone was asking for an RV similar to the Rans s21 outbound. Now we've got two all metal kit planes from the two biggest manufacturers, good competition.

[@bradjacobs1844]

This will be WAY better than anything RANS could produce. The ‘15 will be properly engineered from the start. You will pay for the quality that the RV series is known for.

[@clarkstonguy1065]

It does look interesting! It appeared to get off with a relatively short roll, but would look much better with bush tires.

[@FlyVansAircraft]

We have 'em in our shop. :)

[@CaptainChaooooos]

@@FlyVansAircraft total performance!

[@robertweekley5926]

@@FlyVansAircraft - Are you going with 31" Tires?

[@manofsan]

@@FlyVansAircraft - your RV-15 looks amazing and seems to have specs the backcountry aviation market is looking for. But you've said it has a large wing -- how is the wing loading, and the stability of the aircraft in turbulence, gusts, or crosswinds?

[@Splint993]

So awesome! Can’t wait to see one up close!

[@tpsu129]

I can't wait until Tuesday! Tell us more!

[@davidd6635]

Very Nice Van and RV Team!

[@RV4aviator]

Love the full size plexi doors..! The vis must be incredible..! I know a lot of Commercial fisherman would buy a kit just to spot schools of Tuna..!!!!! Well done AGAIN Van..! I'm willing to bet a case of Scotch you can fit super big tyres as well.

[@Jean_Deaux]

I'm trying to figure out if those pull handles are releases to allow the wings to fold or not. Folding wings are HIGH on the wish list!!! Congrats on the reveal!

[@TastierBackInThe80s]

Love it Van's. Curious to see if a trike takes away or adds to the look of the aircraft. But for now its a thing of beauty.

[@SuperAero]

This is giving me so many FEELS

[@surebrah]

Thanks for not doing an overly vague teaser film. The auto industry does the all sizzle, no steak horseshit all the time.

[@scotnor]

Other than the wing struts,it looks like a scaled down Helio Courier.

[@kllags]

A very interesting prospect. Can’t wait.

[@LynnDixon]

Really hope this is a 4 seater. Would also be nice to fit it with an IO-390 to make a great STOL airframe, especially with 4 seats

[@Avi8tor857]

Me also too many 2 seats in the market to compete with.

[@flexairz]

Look at 0:37 that's no four seater by the looks of it

[@phil_nicholls]

I need STOL and 4 seats - as do many others - (doesn’t have to be super STOL like the 701s and 750s - just decent short-field performance). But 4 seats, and high wing, are a must!

[@mdkrapf]

@@phil_nicholls Exactly what I'm looking for. A 4-seat high wing!

[@experimental_av]

They should sell an EAB version so that people can built it however they want.

[@flynfishak]

Nice to see it go from rumor to reality. Nice looking airplane.

[@dutchloveRC]

great looking plane

[@jimpotter2153]

It looks fantastic. Looking forward to flying one!

[@germancoma1166]

Congratulations!

[@flyingfalcon8999]

This is right up my alley.

[@GeneralChangFromDanang]

Makes me think of a Murphy Aircraft design. I like it.

[@CF-yb4wq]

Stabilator, like the -12... Beringer wheels?... dual exhaust exits and maybe a cooling air door like the YIO-390-EXP119 on the -14... boom pitot tube on the left wingtip ?with side slip ports? for flight testing... Do I see a flap handle at 43 seconds into the video? And flap tracks like on a Cessna? And no doors makes for a quick and easy exit if need be!

[@taylorlamascus4738]

No flush riveting? Looks like a pretty big fowler flap. I like the central overhead flap handle.

[@sunmanav8]

Much easier and quicker to build if they use blind rivets; like the -12 and all of the Zeniths.

[@HamishBrown3]

This is really exciting!

[@xz2683]

lets hope the RV-16 is a bigger version of that.

[@magnusnordstrand1435]

That's just immensely cool!! Monocoupe vibes:)) Love it!

[@jimydoolittle3129]

Vans did it again , another great RV , ✈️👏❤️ , Congratulations 🍾 , I see lots of room back there , please tell me there’s room for four seats

[@tyler_russell]

Wow!!! So cool!

[@kevinpereira7864]

Great looking plane!!

[@beechflyer81]

Looks big enough to be 4 seater

[@clarkstonguy1065]

Are those tracks for fowler flaps?!

[@Tommy-B.]

Looks like it’s all aluminum too. No fiberglass bonding?

[@Bearhawk_Life]

So comment replies from Vans on this video state this is a pre-production test prototype, how long ago was this video taken? Will a closer to production or production plane be at OshKosh?

[@alexclay2987]

Looks like there are some handles in the cockpit to fold the wings back kinda like the kitfox. Is that correct? Also, where are the fuel tanks if this is true?

[@alexclay2987]

Awesome looking plane though!

[@matthewhyde1491]

Looks like the fuel tanks are in the leading edge like other Vans.

[@oneninerniner3427]

Handles are for pulling the door hinge pins for quick exit if necessary for testing purposes.

[@billl7551]

Beautiful!!! Way to go Vans!!

[@redfox435cat]

So are you going to make an engine mount for the prime 370 195HP engine?

[@FPVREVIEWS]

Nice to see Vans finally figured it out, to put the wing on the top, where it's supposed to be in the first place. ha ha just kidding. nice looking plane. congrats!

[@TheJasonmurphy2005]

Amazing! That doesn’t sound like a Rotax

[@captainvanover]

I just wanna know what engine were talking about in this?

[@PeterPasieka]

By sound I will guess Lycoming O-320

[@CaptainChaooooos]

Bet on it being a Lyc

[@Pilotc180]

I think an OX5 would be nice

[@jameshyatte7230]

Shut up and take my money! Seriously loving this, can't wait to see it in person.

[@TristaWinz]

Beautiful! Foldable Wings?

[@planedude91]

That's what I'm thinking!

[@pinesparrow]

She looks great! 🛩️❤️

[@marcusbootle6410]

Full moving horizontal stabilizer! Is the single strut and fuel tank in the back for swing or removable wing?

[@matthewhyde1491]

If you look at the shot inside the cabin, you can see what looks like fuel feed from leading edge tanks, just like the other Vans models.

[@marcusbootle6410]

@@matthewhyde1491 If you are referring to the lines coming out of the forward inboard Rib on the Port side, I think they are the Pitot/Static lines coming from the Test Pitot out on the L/H wing tip. The "box" on the cabin floor to the right and behind the pilot looks very much like a Fuel tank to me.

[@matthewhyde1491]

@@marcusbootle6410 you could well be correct. I guess that might also help with the folding wings that some people seem very keen on.

[@marcusbootle6410]

The more I look at the wing lift struts and the structure inside the cabin I don't think the wings are removable. The removable wings on the RV-12 wasn't as popular as they thought it was going to be. Probably only has one strut to facilitate easy access and egress. The "tank" (if that's what it is) on the floor is probably only for testing purpose's. Now let me get another beer and refill my popcorn!🍺🍿

[@FlyVansAircraft]

The fuel tank in the cabin is only for the test airplane. Certain prototype aircraft design considerations are there to enable us to make engineering changes and adjustments (keep in mind, this is an engineering test prototype airplane), easily change configurations in weight/balance, loading, etc.

[@darcybanasiak7293]

New age 4 seat Murphy Elite, yes please!!!!

[@portnuefflyer]

yeah, it reminded me of the Murph line also, the doors I think, and maybe the vert fin.

[@noelwade]

Looks sharp! I'm surprised you went for strut-braced instead of cantilevered wing/spar; but I suppose the strut-braced wing makes for more interior space / headroom. Puzzled about the "jump rope" handles - are they more than just something to help you get in and out of the seat? Also can't tell if yoke or stick... Seems like center-stick but I can't be 100% sure. Look forward to seeing more details come out at AirVenture!

[@AN2Felllla]

I think the website says it has a stick :)

[@FlyVansAircraft]

Not a center stick. The rope pull handles are test aircraft feature only, to enable emergency door jettison if needed.

[@figit090]

​@@FlyVansAircraft like a 150 aerobat! pop and jump!

[@formulaben]

Struts make for a lighter/stronger wing. Plus you can use them to check your fuel caps, a la Cessna ;)

[@metalplanes]

@@FlyVansAircraft Can't wait to build A third scale of that beauty!

[@SpyGeorgilis]

Fowler flaps??

[@PlaneLady]

Nice!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@navinrjohnson5047]

When can I place an order

[@LS8eighteen]

Could be a good towplane for glliders. Unfortunately, experimental homebuilts are excluded from towing, too bad.

[@AugRINZ]

I’m interested. Van’s, you have my attention.

[@mikebeuselinck6138]

Appears to have a short takeoff roll. Possibility for Rotax 915is with turbo? Need some specs!

[@Captndarty]

If you knew what a 915 sounded like you’d know the answer…. Most definitely not a Rotax

[@portnuefflyer]

I think he was asking about the possibility of a 915 being used, not stating that it had one, quit jumping to other's conclusions.

[@Captndarty]

@@portnuefflyer that’s exactly what you just did

[@dh-flies]

Is this going to be LSA or certified?

[@pi.actual]

Vans bought a Murphy Rebel kit?

[@paulsunderland3292]

Hell yeah

[@tr0695]

The long pitot on the left tip is likely a test boom. It will probably have a conventional pitot under the wing.

[@brianeisner492]

Awesome job guys. I’m sure it will have some sort of Vans performance. I’ll be at Oshkosh this year but does anybody know if it will be trailered there since it is in phase 1 testing?

[@hercpilot185]

Do I see hints of a Murphy in there?

[@2Phast4Rocket]

An upsized Rebel? Murphy had the concept correct but is unable to support its kit business.

[@pittss2c601]

That was my immediate thought. It looks like a Murphy Rebel.

[@robluce6334]

The Murphy Rebel design (and the derivatives) is Amazing. The Murphy Aircraft Company is not.

[@Pilotc180]

Hellava change for the RV guys; looks like a baby 180. With those high wings I hope the old RV guys dont try to land inverted

[@chriskroeker1889]

Blind rivets?

[@thomasaltruda]

Looks like it.. yuck! Let’s hope the next one has flush AN rivets like real airplanes do!

[@oneninerniner3427]

@@thomasaltruda maybe could be built either way? Idk this just speculating.

[@sengwesetogile6054]

Looks like a Murphy radical or maverick

[@portnuefflyer]

I like the large doors.

[@experimental_av]

That's one shiny Murphy Rebel

[@chopperdanny13]

Very interesting, I might just have to build one.

[@toddw6716]

Would be nice for a 4 seater too.

[@Mrsournotes]

Yee Haw!

[@morkbov]

Already equipped with Beringer wheels?? NICE !!

[@Larry-nn2nm]

Price Point and Availability?

[@Irjdunn1]

Can I order it now?

[@FlyVansAircraft]

No, not yet. This is the engineering prototype, from which we develop the kit airplane. We will take orders once we know when kits can be delivered. That takes some time.

[@Irjdunn1]

@@FlyVansAircraft that’s a great looking prototype. What do the rope handles on each side do, jettison the wings? They almost look foldable?

[@MeadAdventure]

@@FlyVansAircraft Will it be at Airventure?

[@josephmandragoran4262]

Looks very similar to a Cessna bird dog or 170 with some upgrades.

[@wildhorsesracing]

Where do I order one!?!? Love it!

[@Elios0000]

aerobatic?

[@GULLEVIM]

I’m sure it will be a hit , just like all of Vans designs .

[@flyingnp4924]

Awesome, I was hoping for a high wing.

[@Rv7traralgon]

Was that it’s first flight as straight after turning onto the RWY he hit the throttle ?

[@FlyVansAircraft]

No, that was not the first flight.

[@bluefishbeagle1]

Slick, I want one !!!

[@daviddavids2884]

fyi a main wing is supposed to have a load-bearing main spar, located at thirty percent of chord. at :43, this view leaves me wondering, WHAT in INSIDE each wing half. ?!?

[@scottmcdaniels3254]

What you see is typical of most all high wing aircraft with wing struts. They do not have a spar that extends through the cabin ceiling. It is also false that the spar in the wing is always located at 30% cord. It is usually located at the thickest portion of the airfoil cross section (which is not always at the 30% point) but even that it not always the case. It depends on how the internal structure of the wing is designed.

[@charliesbunker1]

I hope the production model has folding wings!

[@supertyfon1736]

I'm sure the STOL community would love to turn this into a backcountry aircraft.

[@hud86]

I want two!

[@daryljohnson9010]

Sweeeeet!

[@marktravis]

Awesome! I had to watch the video a few times to make sure it wasn't CGI 😀

[@TailHeavyProductions]

So awesome! 🔥🔥🔥

[@efox2001]

Interesting, I'm surprised you went with a wing strut.

[@flyfalcons]

Lots of advantages to using them. Note the lack of a giant spar going through the cabin.

[@CaptainChaooooos]

@@flyfalcons love the ability to look up and see the runway on base to final.

[@2Phast4Rocket]

@@CaptainChaooooos Very true. This is one of the weaknesses of the 172

[@efox2001]

Personal preference, I guess, I don't like windows overhead. I really like the Cessna 177 for its easy access. For the less mobile passenger, or those who are unfamiliar with GA, it's a better experience. It would be nice if the struts were an option.

[@flyfalcons]

@@efox2001 It's the kind of design change that necessitates a new airframe to be designed around it.

[@michaelguy7168]

Nice

[@galactictomato1434]

Should have been a 4 seater to compete with the Sling TSi

[@macmcdonald897]

Awesome

[@OnerousEthic]

What is an RV?

[@Redchrome1]

I've always loved Van's designs... but this one is so far leaving me underwhelmed. Can someone explain why it's better than a Glasair Sportsman 2+2? (Other than the riveted aluminum construction method being more familiar to some people.)

[@arthurg7257]

Uhh it will probably be $100k less than 2+2.

[@scootypuffjr.]

Why does it have to be better? Probably as good, and a whole lot cheaper.

[@cub1940]

And it isn't owned by the Chinese!

[@percyg.parker739]

Show me more! I want one!

[@AwDaleYeah]

I’m buying one for my first airplane 1000%.. Unless they make a bigger one!!!

[@plantpower3048]

If Vso not less than 38mph and G loading not less than +6 and -3 I don't want it

[@Captndarty]

Wow you really showed them

[@Styno401]

Is an -A build going to be available?

[@DirtNerds]

This is truly exciting, I have been thinking about building a Vans for about a year and now a tail drag high wing! Guess I better get my money right. Want to hear more so comeon Vans release the info soon!

[@scotnor]

Looks like a scaled down Helio Courier

[@brent1041]

Looks small inside, like a cramped 44 inch width. Hopefully the RV16 will be considerably bigger to fit average sized American’s that are over 200lbs.

[@anim8ted923]

A Cessna 172 has a 40" wide cabin. The 182 is 42" wide.

[@brent1041]

And both are to narrow inside for two grown men to comfortably sit next to each other.