|
Recent
RV-12 updates
April
2008
Detailed
Photos of N412RV
Sun 'n Fun 2 page flyer
RV-12
Standard Order Form
March
2008
RV-12
N412RV ROLLS OUT and FLIES!
Click
here to open the document
Click
here to go to the RV-12 video links.
Some Photos of N412RV
Click
on any photo to view a larger image
Van contemplates engine
Click
on any photo to view a larger image
Ken
Krueger
Ken
answering employees
questions
about the RV-12
Click
on any photo to view a larger image
N412RV Panel
Switch and Fuse detail
January
2008
Click
here to open the document
November 2007
Click
here to open the document
The RV-12 is Vans newest design, intended to meet the
standards of the new Light Sport Category. Its a two-seat
all-metal side-by-side airplane with a large cabin that seats
the occupants ahead of the wing spar for maximum room and superb
visibility. It is powered by a Rotax 912S 100 hp engine turning
a Sensenich composite ground-adjustable propeller.
DESIGN GOALS
We have set several goals for the design.
- Flying qualities equal to or better than the RV-9A (not
easily achieved!)
- A 550 lb. payload this equates to two 190 lb. people,
120 lbs. of fuel and 50 lbs. of baggage.
- 750 lb empty weight
From the construction point of view, we want:
- A low parts count, to reduce kit costs and assembly time
- Systems installation at the lowest possible level of
structural subassembly
- Minimal use of composites
- Maximum use of simple hand tools, possibly eliminating the
need for pneumatic tools (not the desire for them, perhaps,
but the need!)
DESIGN FEATURES
We incorporated several new ideas (new to us,
at least) into N912VA, our proof-of-concept prototype.
- Removable wings.
The two spar stubs projecting
from the inboard ends of the wings overlap inside the fuselage
and are secured with two large pins, fitting into carefully
machined bushings.
- Full span flaperons
will hook up automatically
as the wings are installed using fittings similar to those
proven over many years in sailplanes.
- An all-moving stabilator
because it can be
smaller than a conventional stabilizer/elevator arrangement
and permits the airplane to fit into a trailer.
TOTAL PERFORMANCE
Performance of Light Sport Aircraft is
defined by the rules of the category:
- Maximum takeoff weight: 1,320 lbs (599 kg.)
- Maximum stall speed (flaps up): 51 mph (45 knots)
- Maximum speed, level flight w/maximum continuous power:
138 mph (120 knots)
Our goal is to produce an airplane that meets
these performance standards.
However, speed and carrying capacity is only
part of the story. Traditionally, RVs have been known for
excellent flying qualities they are responsive without being
"twitchy", quick without being abrupt, and offer high
performance while still being easy to fly.
We are proud of that tradition and will be
doing our best to make sure that the RV-12 takes its rightful
place in our line of Total Performance airplanes.
Watch this website for details on price and
availability.
WHEN WILL IT BE READY?
The proof-of-concept prototype
RV-12 N912VA flew in November, 2006. The results have been
gratifying it is a good airplane with nice flying qualities.
Most of our design goals have been met, but we have learned a
great deal from N912VA and feel we can make the RV-12 even
better. A new kit-prototype aircraft,
incorporating several improvements, is now under construction.
We will not offer RV-12 kits for sale until flight testing of
the kit prototype is complete and we are satisfied with the
performance and handling characteristics. At the earliest, this
would be sometime in the fourth quarter of 2007.
|
RV-12 N912VA SPECIFICATIONS
SUBJECT TO CHANGE |
|
|
SPAN |
26 8" |
|
WING AREA |
127 sq.ft. |
|
LENGTH |
19 11" |
|
EMPTY WEIGHT |
750 lbs |
|
GROSS WEIGHT |
1320 lbs |
|
WING LOADING
(gross weight) |
10.4 lbs/sq. ft. |
POWER LOADING
(gross weight)
|
13.2 lbs/hp |
|
FUEL CAPACITY |
20 US gallons |
|
CABIN WIDTH |
43" |
|
BAGGAGE CAPACITY |
50 lbs |
|
ENGINE |
Rotax 912S |
|
PROPELLER |
Sensenich ground-adjustable |
________________________________
________________________________
RV-12
Development
Click
here
to view the RV-12 development pages.
The pages contain past articles about the
concept and development of
the RV-12. Construction and First Flight photos
are also contained in
the pages.
|
