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, demonstrating better-than-expected STOL capabilities with short takeoff (225-230 ft) and landing (150 ft) rolls, and a strong climb rate (2,000-2,200 fpm).
Designed as a two-place backcountry aircraft, it prioritizes a large baggage compartment for extensive gear (900 lb useful load, 200 lb baggage capacity) and will be offered in tailwheel, tricycle, float, and ski configurations.
Key design features include a modified NACA airfoil with large Fowler flaps and a stabilator, alongside a revolutionary air-sprung, oil-damped landing gear offering 7 inches of suspension travel for superior rough-field handling.
Kits are on track for mid to late 2023 delivery, 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.