RV-10 Wing With A Larger 2-Seat Cabin And A 210 HP Lycoming
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 tip–forward canopy (the only canopy possible on the RV-14 fuselage) uses a new hinge arrangement that allows it to open wide for entry and loading baggage. It also allows complete access to the back of the instrument panel and avionics connections. It is possible to stand on the ground next to the airplane and reach everything in back of the instrument panel.
Speaking of avionics, the RV-14 will include a standard wiring harness that handles the usual electric basics: lights, fuel pump, flaps, trim, etc. Our prototype uses a Dynon Skyview system, but the standard RV-14 wiring harness will provide convenient plug-and-play expansion capability for several popular EFIS systems. A blank panel for those who want to develop their own panel from scratch is also envisioned.
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.
Leading edge fuel tanks can be removed without taking the wing off the airplane. Ailerons are controlled by rigid pushrods moving on bearings and bushings — a very low friction system that helps provide the control feel for which RVs have become famous. Leading edges and wingtips have provisions for landing, position and strobe lights. Up front, a 210 hp Lycoming IO-390 lives under the graceful cowl and supplies plenty of power! A Van’s 4-into-1 exhaust system keeps exhaust noise relatively low, especially in the cabin.
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.
(Images Top: ANN Staff Photo. Lower image provided by Vans)
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