Van's Aircraft RV-8 explained

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]}

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 150to, including the 2100NaN0 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]

External links

• • How the RV-8 Came to Be - AVweb

Notes and References

1. Web site: Total Performance RV Kit Planes . Van's Aircraft . 2012-08-21.
2. Web site: First Flights. 18 November 2021. Vans Aircraft . November 2022 .
3. .
4. Vandermeullen, Richard: 2011 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide, Kitplanes, Vol. 28, No. 12, December 2011, p. 74. Belvoir Publications.
5. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011–12, p. 125. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011.
6. Web site: Van's RV-8 . Van's Aircraft. 27 September 2020.