Manufacturer Continues to Refine Production Aircraft’s Wing and Empennage

Vans Aircraft is continuing to tweak and finalize details for the high-wing RV-15 which is, for now, expected to move toward production later this year. The manufacturer is centering on the aircraft’s wing and empennage designs.

The RV-15 is Van’s first high-wing design, featuring a Lycoming IO-390 EXP-119 powerplant and 80-inch composite Hartzell Trailblazer propeller producing 215 hp. The final RV-15 will be a backcountry capable, high-performance, two-seater aircraft targeting a cruise speed of 140 kts.

The design was first introduced at the 2022 EAA Oshkosh Airventure with hopes to bring it to market in mid to late 2023. Followers got some new updates at the 2024 airshow, including a delayed anticipated production date of late 2025.

Though Vans had to take some time to push forward on other projects, RV-15 development now seems to be at the top of the company’s priority list. Vans announced last November that it would be constructing a new fuselage to shift the wing aft around 4 inches, providing minor changes to the seat-wing-engine ratio. It also shared changes to the flap handle location, moving it to a traditional floor mount, and aileron control system.

In its latest design update, the manufacturer revealed that there has been significant progress in finalizing the RV-15’s wing, empennage, and fuselage. It has made strides in chopping the aircraft’s weight and parts count to significantly reduce wing-building time.

Using its new text fixture, Vans was able to ensure that the production-version wing is within expected MOSAIC standards. Empennage tests are up next, and the wings and tail are slated to be installed in April before spin testing next quarter.

“From the beginning, the RV-15X’s performance has been very good, as reported and demonstrated in videos,” explained Vans founder Richard VanGrunsven. “However, we’ve continued to work hard to achieve the control response and harmony expected from an ‘RV.’ We’re very happy with it now, though we continue to make minor improvements.”

As this process continues, 2025 is already looking to be a bright year for Vans, with 3,430 order shipments in the first quarter.

FMI: www.vansaircraft.com