Surprise Hit of Oshkosh Represents Van's Continuing Design Evolution

The newest airplane from Van’s Aircraft continues and improves on the legacy of the most successful side-by-side two-seat kit aircraft in history:  Van’s RV-6, RV-7, RV-9 and RV-12. But Vans says the RV-14 is different.

The RV-14 sits tall. The upright seating position and large bubble canopy provide superb visibility in all directions. The large cabin (as wide as many four-seat airplanes) is truly roomy. Lots of headroom, lots of legroom, lots of room between the seats. Big people will like this airplane!

The relatively long wing uses the proprietary airfoil that’s proved so successful on the RV-10. The wing is constant-chord and constant thickness, so it’s easy to build and completely predictable in flight. Big slotted flaps keep landing speeds low.

RV-14 structure is typical of all RVs — and most production aircraft, for that matter. It is a monocoque aluminum airframe held together with rivets. This method has been the standard in aircraft construction for almost seventy years. It is very difficult to beat the combination of light weight, structural integrity, simplicity and affordability that aluminum provides.

The RV-14 cabin accommodates full-sized adults — in fact, the basic idea was to provide RV-10 room and comfort in a two-seat airplane. The results are impressive. Both seats will hold people at least 6’4” tall and provide them with truly comfortable leg and headroom.

Vans says they expect RV-14 wing kits (which will work for either tailwheel or nosewheel versions) to become available in the autumn of 2012. These will include everything necessary for a complete set of wings: fuel tanks, control surfaces, completely assembled spars, molded wingtips, etc. The price is yet to be determined, but a preliminary estimate is around $9000.00. After that, empennage, fuselage, and finishing kits will be released in due course.

FMI: www.vansaircraft.com, www.vansairforce.net/14/14_flyer.pdf, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews