Private sport aircraft RV-15

single-enginepiston engine4-stroke engine

Overview
The RV-15 is a back-country, high-utility two-seat kit aircraft designed for low weight, short-field operation and efficient cruise performance. Wing and tail kits are in production and optimized for rapid assembly using pull (blind) rivets. The custom airfoil and large, efficient flaps provide exceptional low-speed handling while permitting a reduced wing area to improve cruise speed.

Build & Instructions
Van's Aircraft provides detailed Kit-Assembly Instructions (KAIs) with step-by-step illustrations and page-specific parts lists. Sample KAIs and supplemental manual sections are available as downloadable resources for builders. The wing and tail kits employ advanced manufacturing methods and pull rivets to speed assembly: initial feedback indicates wing assembly can take weeks rather than months, with the tail requiring even less time.

Design Highlights
The RV-15 uses an all-trimming horizontal stabilizer (instead of a conventional elevator with trim tab), simplifying construction and trim control. Flight testing on engineering prototypes demonstrates excellent low-speed handling thanks to the large flap system. The design targets MOSAIC compliance and a low stall speed to enable operation by Sport Pilots under expanded rules.

Builder Options & Notes
While the kit is designed for blind rivets, allowances exist for substituting conventional driven rivets in many areas. Some areas—such as rivets forward of the main spar near the fuel tank, folded trailing-edge flap sections, and roughly half the aileron rivets—are difficult or impractical to buck with driven rivets. All supplied wing rivets are 1/8-inch diameter as pre-punched. Deviations from the KAIs (for example changing rivet type) may increase build time and require additional planning.

FAQs (Selected)

• NKET / 51% Rule: Early builders report the currently shipping kit segments can meet the amateur-built majority requirement using FAA advisory guidance.
• Conventional rivets vs. pull rivets: Substitution is possible in many locations but presents practical challenges and increased build time; the design and testing assume pull rivets.
• Nosewheel and float versions: Plans include a nosewheel option; float capability is anticipated and the RV-15 is expected to be a strong floatplane candidate.
• MOSAIC compliance: The RV-15 was developed with MOSAIC requirements in mind and meets core MOSAIC criteria.

Images & Media
Production and development images plus multiple build and progress videos are available, showing wing assemblies, paint/wrap schemes and construction milestones.

Technical specifications

• Model: RV-15
• Test Engine: Lycoming IO-390 EXP-119 (test installation)
• Target Cruise (75%): 140 kts (161 mph) EST
• Top Speed: TBD (target cruise 140 kts / 161 mph)
• Stall Speed: <45 kts (51–52 mph) EST
• Takeoff Distance: <400 ft EST
• Landing Distance: <400 ft EST
• Rate of Climb: Described as "Lots" in preliminary performance
• Ceiling: TBD (described as "Way up there")
• Fuel Capacity: 60 US gallons (total in wing tanks)
• Seats: 2 side-by-side with substantial rear space
• Baggage: 44 cu ft / 250+ lbs (noted as large in specs)
• Cabin Width: 47 in
• Wingspan: 33 ft 3 in
• Length: 24 ft 8 in
• Wing Area: 161 sq ft
• Useful Load: 900+ lbs
• Engine range: 175–220 HP (design range)
• Propeller: Constant speed