9 June 2025
+VIDEO Van’s Aircraft is back working steadily on its new high-wing backcountry aircraft, the RV-15. Work on the all-metal aircraft was paused when Van’s hit financial issues in late 2023.
The latest update from Van’s said, “Work has been progressing steadily on the revolutionary RV-15 high-wing back-country aircraft from Van’s.
“Since its first reveal, the RV-15 has been significantly flown, evaluated, and re-engineered in search of excellence.
“Late last week, the new wing was flown successfully on a warm Oregon afternoon. That flight, and several after that one, have been successful, with the new flap configuration as a key test point.
“The entire flap system, from the slot/hinge system to the cable-operated, floor-mounted handle, are being evaluated. So far, we’re really happy with the improvements. The airplane flies straight, stalls well, and performs exceptionally well in slow flight.”
Vans also said that a slightly different tail configuration — still with a separate horizontal stabilizer and elevator — will come next, quickly followed by spin testing.
“Then it’s off to AirVenture in July.”
The engineering test prototype has a four-cylinder Lycoming IO-390 EXP-119 engine that outputs around 220hp and drives an 80-inch composite Hartzell Trailblazer propeller.
“While we have not yet determined the actual speeds or useful load for the final design,” said Vans, “we have established design targets of 140kt and at least 900 pounds, with the room to load two full-size mountain bikes in the baggage area without having to completely disassemble them.
“An airplane that will get you there reasonably quickly, get down and stopped and then back off the ground in short distances, while letting you carry all the stuff you need to answer the question, ‘Okay, so we’re here, what are we gonna do?’
“Fish, bike, camp, hunt, whatever you can think of. You choose.
“That’s what the RV-15 is about.”
Fast Facts: Van’s RV-15 Engineering Prototype
