Van’s RV-15 Prototype Progressing Through Development

The company said the high-wing aircraft designed for the backcountry market is on track to begin shipping this year.

Monday, January 30, 2023 at 11:10 AM ET

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The Van’s RV-15 is progressing through development, on track for initial kit shipments in mid to late 2023. [Credit: Matt Beaubien]

Key Takeaways:

The Van's Aircraft RV-15 prototype is performing exceptionally well, exceeding expectations in handling and STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) capabilities, confirming its design as a two-place backcountry aircraft.
Key design features include a large cargo capacity (targeting 900lb useful load), a modified airfoil with large Fowler flaps, a stabilator, and advanced air-sprung, oil-damped landing gear optimized for rough terrain.
It boasts impressive performance, with reported takeoff ground rolls of 225-230 feet and landing rolls of 150 feet. Kit availability is targeted for mid-to-late 2023, with pricing expected to be below the RV-10 and potentially similar to the RV-14.

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The engineering prototype of the hotly-anticipated Van’s Aircraft RV-15 is performing well, exhibiting good handling characteristics and delivering better-than-expected performance, the manufacturer said Friday.

During a webinar hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Van’s Vice President Greg Hughes was accompanied by the company’s test pilot and multiple engineers to provide an overview of the airplane’s design, flight characteristics, and progress toward production. Following the main presentation, the group fielded questions from webinar attendees.