Vans RV-4
Of the Van’s RV series, the RV-4 was by far the most popular. The two-seat RV-4 was developed from the company’s single-seat RV-3 and the philoso-phy behind the design of the RV-4 was to have a two-seat aircraft that handled as close as possible to the single-seat RV-3. When the RV-4 first flew in August, 1979, the result was a tandem seating arrangement, which allowed the frontal area to be kept to a minimum, and gave it a top speed of only about 8 knots less than the RV-3. Further, its han-dling characteristics are said to be “virtually identical” a result that sur-prised even the Oregon-based kit manufacturer.
The RV-4 is an aerobatic, two-place tandem, low wing monoplane of aluminum monocoque (stressed skin) construction. The propeller is a Cassidy Pacesetter 200 wood prop, which experience with the RV-3 has proven to have excellent overall performance. The engine used was a new Lycoming 0-320. Fuel is carried in two integral wing leading edge tanks. The standard canopy is a single-piece bubble which opens to the side.
It is flown from the front seat only, but the kit includes a stick for the rear-seater. It is designed for engines of 150-160 horsepower, although engines as small as 125 hp and as large as 180 work well and are commonly installed.
The RV-4 is capable of "sport" aerobatics. It was reported thet around 600 were flying worldwide and the kit price was $10,905.
Engine: Lycoming 150 hp
Prop: fixed pitch wood
Span: 23 ft
Length: 20 ft 4 in
Height: 5 ft 5 in
Wing Area: 110 sq ft
Empty Weight: 905 - 913 lbs
Gross Weight: 1500 lbs
Wing Loading: 13.64 lb/sq ft
Power Loading: 10.0 - 8.33 lb/hp
Engine: 150-180 hp
Propeller: Fixed or C/S
Fuel Capacity: 32 US gal
Baggage: 50 lbs
Top Speed: 201 mph
Cruise 75% @ 8000 ft: 189 mph
Cruise 55% @ 8000 ft: 171 mph
Stall Speed: 48 mph
Top Speed: 200 mph
Cruise 75% @ 8000 ft: 188 mph
Cruise 55% @ 8000 ft: 170 mph
Stall Speed: 54 mph
Takeoff Distance: 475 ft
Landing Distance: 425 ft
Rate of Climb: 1,500 fpm
Ceiling: 18,000 ft
Range 75% @ 8000 ft: 640 sm
Range 55% @ 8000 ft: 790 sm
Engine: Lycoming 160 hp
Prop: fixed pitch wood
Span: 23 ft
Length: 20 ft 4 in
Height: 5 ft 5 in
Wing Area: 110 sq ft
Empty Weight: 905 - 913 lbs
Gross Weight: 1500 lbs
Wing Loading: 13.64 lb/sq ft
Power Loading: 10.0 - 8.33 lb/hp
Engine: 150-180 hp
Propeller: Fixed or C/S
Fuel Capacity: 32 US gal
Baggage: 50 lbs
Top Speed: 205 mph
Cruise 75% @ 8000 ft: 193 mph
Cruise 55% @ 8000 ft: 174 mph
Stall Speed: 48 mph
Top Speed: 204 mph
Cruise 75% @ 8000 ft: 192 mph
Cruise 55% @ 8000 ft: 173 mph
Stall Speed: 54 mph
Takeoff Distance: 450 ft
Landing Distance: 425 ft
Rate of Climb: 1,650 fpm
Ceiling: 19,500 ft
Range 75% @ 8000 ft: 640 sm
Range 55% @ 8000 ft: 790 sm
Engine: Lycoming 180 hp
Prop: fixed pitch wood
Span: 23 ft
Length: 20 ft 4 in
Height: 5 ft 5 in
Wing Area: 110 sq ft
Empty Weight: 905 - 913 lbs
Gross Weight: 1500 lbs
Wing Loading: 13.64 lb/sq ft
Power Loading: 10.0 - 8.33 lb/hp
Engine: 150-180 hp
Propeller: Fixed or C/S
Fuel Capacity: 32 US gal
Baggage: 50 lbs
Top Speed: 213 mph
Cruise 75% @ 8000 ft: 201 mph
Cruise 55% @ 8000 ft: 182 mph
Stall Speed: 48 mph
Top Speed: 212 mph
Cruise 75% @ 8000 ft: 200 mph
Cruise 55% @ 8000 ft: 180 mph
Stall Speed: 54 mph
Takeoff Distance: 400 ft
Landing Distance: 425 ft
Rate of Climb: 1,950 fpm
Ceiling: 23,000 ft
Range 75% @ 8000 ft: 590 sm
Range 55% @ 8000 ft: 725 sm
