RV-8 | |
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Role | RV-8 |
National origin | United States |
Manufacturer | Van's Aircraft |
Designer | Richard VanGrunsven |
First flight | 1995 [1] |
Introduction | 1995 [1] |
Number built | 1611 (November 2021) [2] |
Developed from | Van's Aircraft RV-4 |
The Van's RV-8 is a tandem two-seat, single-engine, low-wing homebuilt aircraft sold in kit form by Van's Aircraft. The RV-8 is equipped with conventional landing gear, while the RV-8A version features tricycle landing gear. The design is similar to the earlier RV-4, although it is larger than that earlier model. [3] [4] [5]
Richard VanGrunsven designed the RV-8 series as an updated, larger tandem aircraft based on the RV-4 design concept. The RV-8 first flew in 1995 and was first shown publicly at Oshkosh that year. [1]
The RV-8 incorporated changes as a result of lessons learned in producing the popular RV-4 design. The RV-8 airframe accepts larger engines from 150 to 210 hp (112 to 157 kW), including the 210 hp (157 kW) Lycoming IO-390. [6] The RV-8 also has increased wingspan and wing area over the RV-4, as well as greater cockpit width, headroom, legroom and an increased useful load, all with a view to accommodating larger pilots. Like the RV-3 to RV-7 that preceded it, the RV-8 is stressed for aerobatics. [1] [5]
The RV-8 series was intended from inception to include a nose-gear-equipped version designated the RV-8A. The RV-8A was first flown in 1998 [1]
As of November 2022, 1,611 RV-8s and RV-8As have been completed and flown. [2]
Data from Van's Aircraft [7] [8]
General characteristics
Performance
Related development
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