Another Milestone Is Set As Vans Aircraft Seeks A New Market In Their Kit Aircraft Lineup
ANN April 1 Special Edition
It’s reported that Vans Aircraft founder and CEO, Richard VanGrunsven (Van), is about to add a new aircraft to his already copious lineup of aircraft models. It is alleged that Van VanGrunsven has received numerous comments requesting a multiengine aircraft, and his response to that request will be called the RV-82.
It is widely known within the industry that VanGrunsven holds to the concept that whatever the customer wants the customer should get. While this is an unusual attitude not often found in many aspects of aviation, he stands firm to the belief that if the customer wants it, you can sell it, and make money.
His desire to serve the customer was proved in the mid-1990s when frustrated wannabe military pilots asked for a kit-built airplane that was more like a fighter. The results to this request was a production of the tandem airplane known as the RV-8, and it’s this airplane that will form the basis of the new multiengine airplane. The RV-82 is another example of Vans Aircraft responding to customer demand.
VanGrunsven explained that it made no sense to create an entirely new airplane, and a cowling system for two engines, when the same thing could be achieved by simply joining together two airframes that were already in production. He denies that his design is based on the North American F-82 Twin Mustang. According to VanGrunsven “It’s simply proving that good engineering concepts can remain good through the ages.” He also said that calling his new airplane the “RV-82” also had nothing to do with the Twin Mustang.
The basic airplane is designed to use a variety of engines, and the control system may be located in either or both cockpits. The unique landing gear configuration provides 4 main gear wheels and 2 tailwheels. VanGrunsven says this configuration will allow excellent rough field operation yet still provide fighter-like performance.
No price has yet been announced for this kit, and it has not been reported whether or not an existing RV-8 can be converted to an RV 82.
(Image obtained from sources that may not be disclosed)
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