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 engineering prototype is performing well, exhibiting good handling characteristics, and delivering better-than-expected short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance.
Designed as a two-place backcountry aircraft, it features a large baggage compartment for extensive gear, a modified airfoil, large Fowler flaps, a stabilator, and advanced air-sprung, oil-damped landing gear for rough-field operations.
Early flight tests report impressive figures, including takeoff rolls of 225-230 feet, landing rolls of 150 feet, and climb rates of 2,000-2,200 fpm.
Van's is on track to begin kit deliveries in mid-to-late 2023, with pricing expected to be below the RV-10 and potentially comparable 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.