Popular Van’s RV-8 to Commemorate 30 Years of Flight

Company will celebrate its all-aluminum homebuilt aircraft at EAA AirVenture.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, July 01, 2025 at 01:14 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The Van's RV-8 with the P-51 Mustang-esque tail is a favorite in the experimental community. [Courtesy: Van's Aircraft]

Key Takeaways:

Van's RV aircraft, particularly the RV-8 (celebrating 30 years of flight), are highly popular experimental homebuilt aircraft known for their P-51 Mustang-esque design.
The RV-8, released in 1995, is the eighth design by Richard VanGrunsven, refining previous models like the RV-4 with a longer fuselage and wider/deeper cabin for improved comfort.
Pilots appreciate the RV-8's tandem seating, ideal for aerobatics, and its engaging cockpit ambiance and over-the-nose view, contributing to Van's designs making up an estimated one-third of all experimental aircraft.

See a mistake? Contact us.

If you have the opportunity to visit EAA AirVenture (July 21-27), make sure to head to the experimental aircraft display and marvel at the multiple rows of Van’s RV aircraft.

The low-wing, all-aluminum homebuilt aircraft with the P-51 Mustang-esque tail are favorites in the experimental community. One of the most popular versions, the Van’s RV-8, celebrates 30 years of flight this year.