Any RV Flyers Here?
#3
RE: Any RV Flyers Here?
RV4
In 2010, a German customer of ours presented me with his idea to build a 42% scale Vans Aircraft RV4. We had already finished a RV4 construction, which we build as a glider tug plane. It was a semi-scale model, as the fuselage was stretched about 8 inches. For that customer, the most was important factor was the flying attributes as a glider tug plane, not the scale model detailing.
We came to an agreement with this German client on the scale model specs and we started to build to scale, via CAD construction. Our new customer introduced me to his friend Franz who owns an original RV4. That made it very easy to get the scaling detailing correct. Ironically, the owner of the original RV4 and I have long known each other, since 1982! Many years had separated Franz and me until this reintroduction. We followed-up with long phone calls about our lives and about our old friends. He is an excellent RC-Scalebuilder and an perfectly RC Pilot.
We finished the prototype and the maiden flight in Germany was successful; so were the subsequent test flights. Pilot was Franz. Soon after, we like now to start serial production of the scale model. Here are some pictures:
In 2010, a German customer of ours presented me with his idea to build a 42% scale Vans Aircraft RV4. We had already finished a RV4 construction, which we build as a glider tug plane. It was a semi-scale model, as the fuselage was stretched about 8 inches. For that customer, the most was important factor was the flying attributes as a glider tug plane, not the scale model detailing.
We came to an agreement with this German client on the scale model specs and we started to build to scale, via CAD construction. Our new customer introduced me to his friend Franz who owns an original RV4. That made it very easy to get the scaling detailing correct. Ironically, the owner of the original RV4 and I have long known each other, since 1982! Many years had separated Franz and me until this reintroduction. We followed-up with long phone calls about our lives and about our old friends. He is an excellent RC-Scalebuilder and an perfectly RC Pilot.
We finished the prototype and the maiden flight in Germany was successful; so were the subsequent test flights. Pilot was Franz. Soon after, we like now to start serial production of the scale model. Here are some pictures:
#4
RE: Any RV Flyers Here?
Specifications
Wing Span: 119" (3,00 Meter)
Overall Length: 103" 2,61 Meter)
Flying Weight: 33 lbs. (15 kg)
Cover: Solartex
Hardware: Balsa, Plywood, Steel, Fiberglass Cowling and Wheel-Pants, Solartex Covering
Colors: White, blue, red
Radio: 6 Channel
Engine: 100 to 120 cc Gasoline Ignition (DLE-111, DA120, Valach120, Moki 100)
Functions: Aileron, Rudder, Elevator, Throttle, Landing Flaps, Choke
Wing Span: 119" (3,00 Meter)
Overall Length: 103" 2,61 Meter)
Flying Weight: 33 lbs. (15 kg)
Cover: Solartex
Hardware: Balsa, Plywood, Steel, Fiberglass Cowling and Wheel-Pants, Solartex Covering
Colors: White, blue, red
Radio: 6 Channel
Engine: 100 to 120 cc Gasoline Ignition (DLE-111, DA120, Valach120, Moki 100)
Functions: Aileron, Rudder, Elevator, Throttle, Landing Flaps, Choke
#5
My Feedback: (10)
RE: Any RV Flyers Here?
After taking a year off to build a 1/5 Cub and have our first baby, I actually got some work done on my RV-7A this weekend. Got the right-hand elevator mostly finished; very exciting to be able to work on this project again. See my signature for a link to my project. It might be finished in another 10 years! [X(]
#6
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RE: Any RV Flyers Here?
There are 5 guys at our airport who own RV's. (1) RV-6a, (1) RV-7, (2) RV-9"s, and (1) RV-10. A few more locals fly in for lunch. Just about all flew R/C until they moved up. My dreams are to one day own an RV-8, but for now I'm happy with my 172H. The RV's are very popular here in East Texas. At any fly-in you can count on at least 10 or 12 to show up.
#7
My Feedback: (10)
RE: Any RV Flyers Here?
So stop dreaming and get started already! The nice thing about the Van's kits is that there is no price penalty for buying one sub-assembly at a time. Go look at tools! I ended up buying the full-boat toolkit from www.planetools.com; they were very helpful and the tools have been excellent. Then you can get the RV practice kit from Vans and have a go at riveting. It's easy!
My RV project has been "on the bench" for over 2 years now. It may be another year or 2 before I can swing the wing kit. But if I had waited, I would have nothing done... and I would still be dreaming. As it is, each rivet brings my dream closer to reality. Think about it!
My RV project has been "on the bench" for over 2 years now. It may be another year or 2 before I can swing the wing kit. But if I had waited, I would have nothing done... and I would still be dreaming. As it is, each rivet brings my dream closer to reality. Think about it!
#9
RE: Any RV Flyers Here?
I'm (still) building an RV-7 with my dad. We are getting to the end of this project. The building is pretty much done and we are in the fitout stage. We have had power on. Just need to find some more spare time.
#10
My Feedback: (101)
RE: Any RV Flyers Here?
I am thinking about retiring and a RV-7 is on my list....It is actually driving me nuts. So how much time do you guys spend building the kit? What are some of the surprises you are finding? Does the hobby we all enjoy translate well into building the fullsize? Any info is better than none. I am ready to convert over to full size
#11
My Feedback: (10)
RE: Any RV Flyers Here?
I think that if you are a kit-builder, then the attitude you bring to that activity will definitely translate to the hobby. Aside from that, you will have a small learning-curve with all the new tools & techniques, but if you are good with your hands -and patient- ...and willing to do your research... (the forums at vansairforce.net are great!)... you should have very few problems.
#12
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Location: Sioux Lookout, ON , CANADA
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RE: Any RV Flyers Here?
I just did a test fight on a newly built RV-9A. It was a dream to fly!! I fly Twin Otters and Turbo Beavers for a living but i'd say the RV was as enjoyable as the DH products! I had not flown a small piston powered plane in quite a few years and was a little nervous, but all for nothing! Besides needing some time and space to slow down, (will take some getting used to for Cessna pilots) it was an easy plane to fly! The builder/owner sure has a nice aircraft. 160+ mph on 150hp. Very nice. If I ever am in the market for an aircraft, forget the super cub. I want an RV!
#14
My Feedback: (20)
RE: Any RV Flyers Here?
I was a few months from pulling the trigger on an RV-9A when I was in Galena. Figured, there was nothing else to do in the bush. Took some riveting classes, ordered the plans book for the kit.
Then I got married and I said goodbye to my airplane money. (RC and RV)
It's still on my bucket list.
I am working near an airport over here in King Salmon, I would just need a heated building to work on it and some cash LOL!!!
Don
Then I got married and I said goodbye to my airplane money. (RC and RV)
It's still on my bucket list.
I am working near an airport over here in King Salmon, I would just need a heated building to work on it and some cash LOL!!!
Don
#16
My Feedback: (7)
RE: Any RV Flyers Here?
I bought a RV7 kit in July 2006 and finished and flew it in November 2007. Sold it in 2012 after a few hundred fun hours just to fund my next project. I have flown RVs for over 20 years and have flown all the models except the 3,12 and14. The newer RV kits are the best in the business and all of the series have great performance and can be flown safely by the average pilot with a little training. I also built a Backcountry Super Cub after the RV and I'm finishing a 7 for a friend. One downside is I haven't done much RC building and flying in the last few years. Don
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