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Founded by Richard "Van" VanGrunsven in 1973, Van's Aircraft is a homebuilt aircraft kit manufacturer.
Van's RV series of aircraft, from the single seat RV-3 to the latest RV-10, are all-aluminum, low-wing monoplanes of monocoque construction. All, except the RV-3, RV-4 and RV-10 are available in both tricycle and taildragger configurations. All tricycle gear model designations except the RV-10 carry an "A" at the end (e.g., RV-6A). All RVs are aerobatic, with the exception of the RV-9 and RV-10.
The RV series of airplanes has been extremely successful; there are thousands of RVs flying, making the series one of the most numerous of all homebuilt aircraft. They are generally suited for aerobatics with their responsive controls, and offer both good speed and fuel economy.
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Experimental status
RVs are deemed Experimental Aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States, and are accepted under the corresponding category by the aviation authorities in many other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. As such, Van's cannot sell completed aircraft, although a modified version of the RV-6 was sold to the Nigerian government as a military trainer. In the United States the builder is considered the manufacturer, and must complete at least 51% of the project, after which they may apply for a Repairman Certificate. Upon evaluation of the candidate's qualification by the appropriate Flight Standard's District Office (FSDO) serving the geographical area where the aircraft is based he will be given the certificate for that aircraft so certain inspections including the annual condition inspection can be legally be performed on that aircraft alone by that individual. Similar regulations apply in the other countries listed above.
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Engines
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Type club
The RV series of aicraft have a very active aircraft type club Van's Air Force that provides support for owners and pilots of all these aircraft.
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RV aircraft series
RV-1: Stits SA-3 Playboy modified w/ 125hp Lycoming and custom wing
RV-2: Wooden flying wing sailplane prototype that was never completed
RV-4: Two seats, tandem, bubble canopy
RV-5: A small metal single seat prototype that was flown with a two-stroke engine
RV-6: Two seats, side-by-side
RV-7: Improved RV-6, with longer wingspan and larger rudder
RV-8: Improved RV-4, with larger cockpit
RV-9: Two seats, side-by-side; larger wing and more docile handling qualities
RV-10: Four seats, tricycle gear only
RV-11: Single seat, motorglider; currently under development
RV-12: Two seats, side-by-side Light Sport Aircraft; currently under development
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