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 1611 (November 2021)[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 November 2022, 1,611 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 August 21, 2012.
  2. Vans Aircraft (November 2022). "First Flights". Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  3. Downey, Julia (December 2007), "Kitplanes", 2008 Kit Aircraft Directory, vol. 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 September 27, 2020.
  7. "Van's Aircraft - RV-8 Specifications". Vansaircraft.com. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
  8. "Van's Aircraft - RV-8 Performance". Vansaircraft.com. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
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