Van's Aircraft RV-8

The Van's RV-8 is a tandem two-seat, single-engine, low-wing homebuilt aircraft sold in kit form by Van's Aircraft. The RV-8 is equipped with conventional landing gear, while the RV-8A version features tricycle landing gear. The design is similar to the earlier RV-4, although it is larger than that earlier model.[3][4][5]

RV-8
Role RV-8
National origin United States
Manufacturer Van's Aircraft
Designer Richard VanGrunsven
First flight 1995[1]
Introduction 1995[1]
Number built 1536 (October 2019)[2]
Developed from Van's Aircraft RV-4
RV-8A at the 2007 South West Regional Fly In, Hondo, TX.
RV-8 on wheel skis in December 2011.
RV-8 at AirVenture 2011.
Vans RV-8 takeoff.

Development

Richard VanGrunsven designed the RV-8 series as an updated, larger tandem aircraft based on the RV-4 design concept. The RV-8 first flew in 1995 and was first shown publicly at Oshkosh that year.[1]

The RV-8 incorporated changes as a result of lessons learned in producing the popular RV-4 design. The RV-8 airframe accepts larger engines from 150 to 210 hp (112 to 157 kW), including the 210 hp (157 kW) Lycoming IO-390.[6] The RV-8 also has increased wingspan and wing area over the RV-4, as well as greater cockpit width, headroom, legroom and an increased useful load, all with a view to accommodating larger pilots. Like the RV-3 to RV-7 that preceded it, the RV-8 is stressed for aerobatics.[1][5]

The RV-8 series was intended from inception to include a nose-gear-equipped version designated the RV-8A. The RV-8A was first flown in 1998[1]

As of October 2019, 1,536 RV-8s and RV-8As have been completed and flown.[2]

Specifications (RV-8)

Data from Van's Aircraft[7][8]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Length: 21 ft 0 in (6.40 m)
  • Wingspan: 24 ft 0 in (7.32 m)
  • Height: 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
  • Wing area: 116 sq ft (10.8 m2)
  • Empty weight: 1,120 lb (508 kg)
  • Gross weight: 1,800 lb (816 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 42 U.S. gallons (160 L; 35 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming IO-360 four cylinder, horizontally opposed piston aircraft engine with fuel injection, 200 hp (150 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 221 mph (356 km/h, 192 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 210 mph (340 km/h, 180 kn) at 75% power at 8000 feet
  • Stall speed: 58 mph (93 km/h, 50 kn)
  • Range: 940 mi (1,510 km, 820 nmi) at 55% power and 8000 feet
  • Service ceiling: 22,500 ft (6,900 m)
  • Rate of climb: 1,900 ft/min (9.7 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 15.5 lb/sq ft (76 kg/m2)

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References
  1. "Total Performance RV Kit Planes". Van's Aircraft. Retrieved 2012-08-21.
  2. Vans Aircraft (October 2019). "First Flights". Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  3. Downey, Julia (December 2007), "Kitplanes", 2008 Kit Aircraft Directory, 24, Primedia, p. 77, ISSN 0891-1851.
  4. Vandermeullen, Richard: 2011 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide, Kitplanes, Vol. 28, No. 12, December 2011, p. 74. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
  5. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011–12, p. 125. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  6. "Van's RV-8". Van's Aircraft. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  7. "Van's Aircraft - RV-8 Specifications". Vansaircraft.com. Retrieved 2012-08-21.
  8. "Van's Aircraft - RV-8 Performance". Vansaircraft.com. Retrieved 2012-08-21.
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