The RVs of Van’s Aircraft

Monday, October 03, 2011 at 07:01 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Van's Aircraft RVs have maintained their popularity for over four decades, originating from VanGrunsven's mid-1960s aircraft modifications, with sales significantly increasing after the RV-3 model.
The RV series includes diverse models, such as the RV-6 known for its side-by-side seating, and is utilized by a wide range of users from a global enthusiast network ("Van’s Air Force") to military forces like the Nigerian Air Force.
The aircraft are also accessible for educational purposes, exemplified by a dozen Oregon teens building an RV-12 as part of Project Teen Flight.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Four decades down the road, RVs are more popular than ever.

Van's Aircraft RVs — **According to VanGrunsven, he wasn’t trying to spark a kit-building revolution when he modified a Stits SA-3A Playboy during the mid-1960s. With increased horsepower, a modified wing and other changes, his first airplane design emerged, the RV-1. It was not until the RV-3, however, that sales took off.
**

Van's Aircraft RVs — Produced between 1986 and 2001, the RV-6 features a 43-inch-wide fuselage that allows for side-by-side seating without sacrificing performance.

Van's Aircraft RVs — These RV-8s are proud members of Van’s Air Force, an enthusiasts network with air wings located throughout the world. The real Nigerian Air Force flies 60 RV-6As.

Van's Aircraft RVs — A dozen Oregon teens built this RV-12 in 16 months as part of Project Teen Flight.

Van's Aircraft RVs — For more, read our recent feature, “Van’s Aircraft and Those Amazing RVs.“

FLYING Magazine is a one-stop resource for everything aviation, including news, training, aircraft, gear, careers, photos, videos, and more.