Van's Aircraft RV-12

The Van's RV-12 is an American two-seat, single-engine, low-wing homebuilt airplane eligible for the U.S. E-LSA category, sold in kit form and as a complete ready-to-fly aircraft by Van's Aircraft of Aurora, Oregon.[4][5]

The first RV-12, built by Richard VanGrunsven, at Oshkosh 2008.

RV-12
Role Light-sport aircraft[1]
National origin United States
Manufacturer Van's Aircraft
Designer Richard VanGrunsven
First flight November 9, 2006 [2]
Introduction 2008
Status Kits and complete aircraft both in production (2021)
Produced 2008–present (kits)
2012–present (complete aircraft)
Number built 792 (July 2023)[3]

The RV-12 had its first flight on November 9, 2006.[2] Deliveries of partial kits commenced in April 2008 and, as of July 2023, 792 aircraft have been completed and flown.[3][6]

Design and development
Two RV-12 wings under construction in a garage.
The completed detachable wings stored in a wing stand.
RV-12 with Jabiru engine

The architect of the line of Van's aircraft, Richard VanGrunsven, designed the RV-12 with several specific goals in mind. These include:[7]

  • Flying qualities equal to or better than the standard set by the RV-9A
  • 550 lb (249 kg) payload – to carry a projected load of two 190 lb (86 kg) people, 120 lb (54 kg) of fuel (20 U.S. gallons (76 L; 17 imp gal)) and 50 lb (23 kg) of baggage or cargo.
  • 750 lb (340 kg) aircraft empty weight
  • Cabin width of 43 in (109 cm)
  • A low parts count, with an aim of reducing kit cost and construction time
  • Minimal use of composites and maximum use of aluminum
  • Maximum use of simple hand tools only for construction

The LSA class limits aircraft to a maximum takeoff weight of 1,320 lb (599 kg), a maximum clean, stall speed with no flaps of 51 mph (45 knots) and a maximum level speed of 138 mph (120 knots) and the production RV-12 falls within those maximum limits.[5][8]

The prototype incorporated several new features for an RV-series aircraft including: removable wings, full-span flaperons and an all-moving stabilator. It is intended that the RV-12 will be powered by a Rotax 912ULS engine of 100 hp and equipped with a Sensenich composite ground-adjustable propeller, although as a kit aircraft the builder can complete it as they choose.[8]

Originally, the RV-12 was equipped with the Dynon FlightDEK-D180, the Garmin GPS 496, Garmin SL-40, Garmin GTX-327 Transponder, and the Flightcom 403 intercom. The RV-12 avionics kit now comes with the choice of either the 10" Dynon SkyView D-1000 or the Garmin G3X Touch avionics packages. Either package includes synthetic vision, Mode-S transponder, and mapping to replace the Garmin GPS Map 496, and a Garmin GTR 200 to replace the SL-40 transceiver and FliteCom intercom.[9]

Van's aircraft has many optional packages for the RV-12. These options do not change the E-LSA licensing. A lighting package is available, two-axis autopilot, interior package (sidewall covers, carpet, different colors), and wheel fairings to protect the wheels and increase the speed a few knots.[10]

The aircraft received S-LSA approval in July, 2009 making it possible for home builders to license it in either the E-LSA category, simplifying certification requirements, or the experimental, amateur-built category.[11]

The RV-12 is the first production kit from Van's that is predominantly constructed using blind rivets, which allows the majority of the construction to be done without an assistant. The use of computerized punch machines to punch out most of the rivet holes to final size simplifies construction by minimizing the need to deburr or final size most of the rivet holes.[12] Since the wings are designed to be detached, the majority of the airplane can be constructed in most standard residential garages.

The RV-12 is sold as six sub-kits: wings, fuselage, empennage & tailcone, finishing (cowling, wiring, canopy, etc.), powerplant, and avionics.[13] Van's indicates that they cannot "provide assistance or advice on any deviations from the supplied parts and assembly instructions".[11]

Partial RV-12 kits became available to customers in April 2008, with complete kits made available in the fall of 2008.[6][14]

In November 2014 Van's Aircraft and Dynon announced that a two-screen glass cockpit option was available for the RV-12. This can be installed on new-build aircraft and also retro-fitted to aircraft already in service with a single screen.[15]

A new variant, the RV-12iS, was introduced in 2017. The RV-12iS is an incremental improvement over the RV-12 which allows the installation of the Rotax 912ULS (carbureted) or the Rotax 912iS (fuel-injected) engines. It also incorporates a new cowling and throttle quadrant design, quick-retracting flaps, a quick-adjusting seat, redesigned landing gear attachments and fuel tank, among other improvements.[16][17]

Production

In October 2012, Van's announced that the company would produce a limited run of twelve fully assembled RV-12s, sold as Special Light-sport Aircraft (SLSAs). The aircraft were assembled from production kits by Synergy Air, with the "Signature Edition" RV-12s costing US$115,000. The run of 12 aircraft was sold out within hours of the announcement and the first one was delivered on 31 May 2013.[5][18][19]

In November 2013, the company announced that a follow-up batch of twelve RV-12s, again to be assembled by Synergy Air, would be sold fully equipped for US$123,000 or US$115,000 for the base model. Synergy Air indicated that they expect to produce about 50 aircraft per year on an ongoing basis.[20]

In August 2018, Van's announced that they would move production of the SLSA RV-12 from Synergy to the Van's factory, with Synergy continuing as a builder assist center.[21]

Operational history

An RV-12 was built by students of Emirates airline to enhance their knowledge and hands-on technical experience, and is used to promote the airline training programmes. The airplane, painted in Emirates airline livery, is exhibited in the Emirates Engineering Centre at the Dubai International Airport and was displayed at the 2013 Dubai Airshow.[22]

Specifications (RV-12)

Data from: Van's Aircraft website[13]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one pilot
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Length: 19 ft 11 in (6.07 m)
  • Wingspan: 26 ft 9 in (8.15 m)
  • Height: 8 ft 4 in (2.54 m)
  • Wing area: 127 sq ft (11.8 m2)
  • Empty weight: 740 lb (336 kg)
  • Gross weight: 1,320 lb (599 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 1,320 lb (599 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 912ULS with a Sensenich composite ground-adjustable propeller, 100 hp (74 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 135 mph (217 km/h, 117 kn) at sea level
  • Cruise speed: 131 mph (211 km/h, 114 kn) (7500 ft @ 5500 rpm)
  • Stall speed: 47 mph (76 km/h, 41 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 156 mph (251 km/h, 136 kn)
  • Range: 555 mi (893 km, 482 nmi) at cruise 75% power at 7,500 ft
  • Service ceiling: 13,800 ft (4,200 m)
  • Rate of climb: 900 ft/min (4.6 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 10.4 lb/sq ft (51 kg/m2)

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References
  1. Vans Aircraft (May 4, 2012). "How can an RV-12 be licensed?". Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  2. Vans Aircraft (April 13, 2019). "Van's RV-12 Flies!". Retrieved April 13, 2019.
  3. Vans Aircraft (July 2023). "First Flights". Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  4. Vandermeullen, Richard: 2011 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide, Kitplanes, Volume 28, Number 12, December 2011, page 75. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
  5. Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015–16, page 86. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X
  6. AvWeb Staff (April 2000). "Vans RV-12 Light Sport Aircraft". Archived from the original on November 26, 2014. Retrieved April 11, 2008.
  7. Van's Aircraft (July 2007). "The RV-12 A New Design From Van's Aircraft, Inc" (PDF). Retrieved November 13, 2014.
  8. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011–12, page 83. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  9. Vans Aircraft (January 27, 2014). "Avionics Order Form" (PDF). Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  10. Vans Aircraft (May 4, 2012). "Can Accessories like lights, or Wheel Fairing be installed?". Archived from the original on May 4, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  11. Van's Aircraft (2009). "RV-12". Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  12. Kolano, Ed, Van's RV-12, KitPlanes magazine, Oct. 2008, p. 100
  13. Van's Aircraft (2008). "RV-12 Specifications". Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  14. Van's Aircraft (2008). "RV-12". Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  15. AVweb Staff (November 13, 2014). "New This Week". AVweb. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  16. Van's Aircraft. "RV–12iS General Information". vansaircraft.com. Retrieved June 8, 2018.
  17. Van's Aircraft. "RV–12iS Whats New". vansaircraft.com. Retrieved June 8, 2018.
  18. Niles, Russ (October 12, 2012). "Van's To Build 'Fly-Away' RV-12s". AVweb. Retrieved October 13, 2012.
  19. Niles, Russ (June 4, 2013). "Van's Delivers First Factory-Built RV-12". AVweb. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
  20. Grady, Mary (November 13, 2013). "More Ready-To-Fly RV-12s From Van's". AVweb. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  21. Niles, Russ (September 2, 2018). "Van's Takes RV-12 Assembly In-House". AVweb. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  22. AG Reporter (November 9, 2013). "Emirates Airline builds its own aircraft". Arabian Gazette. Retrieved November 13, 2013.
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