The RV-7 is the pre-punched fuselage of the RV-9 and the pre-punched wings and tail of the RV-8 married together. It comes in tail wheel or nosewheel, and sliding or tilt up canopy. The RV-7/7A replaced the RV-6/6A.
About 70% of our customers prefer side by side seating and the RV-7/7A has a roomy cockpit that will easily accept two 6’ + adults with sufficient leg, head and elbow room to stay comfortable for three to four hours at a time. The seating arrangement puts both occupants on an equal footing – standard dual controls and optional dual brakes give either occupant full control with equal visibility.
The RV-7/7A retains all the traditional RV virtues. It is an all-around sport airplane, with excellent cross-country capability, fine aerobatic qualities and superior handling. A typical RV-7 can hold two FAA standard pilots, 100 lbs. of baggage and full tanks: 42 gallons. At the aerobatic gross weight of 1600 lbs., the RV-7/7A complies with the +6/-3G standards of the FAA’s Aerobatic Category and can still carry two people, making it possible for a new pilot to get aerobatic instruction before he or she starts rolling and looping.
Both sliding and tip-up canopies are available. Both may be opened for taxi ventilation.

All RVs are capable of very short take-offs and landings and the RV-7/7A is no exception. Equipped with any Lycoming engine between 150 and 200 hp, and either a fixed-pitch or constant-speed propeller, it will leave the ground quickly and climb at impressive rates. The rugged fixed steel landing gear (tailwheel or tri-gear) makes it possible to operate from almost any airstrip, including grass or dirt.

RV-7
Engine: 160 hp
Prop: Hartzell 2 Blade C/S
Span: 25 ft 0in.
Length: 20 ft 4 in.
Height: 5 ft 10 in
Wing Area: 121 sq ft
Empty Weight: 1061 – 1114 lbs
Gross Weight: 1800 lbs
Wing Loading: 14.8 lb/sq ft
Power Loading: 12.0 – 9.0 lb/hp
Engine: 150-200 hp
Propeller: Fixed or C/S
Fuel Capacity: 42 US gal
Baggage: 100 lbs
Top Speed: 201 mph
Cruise 75% @ 8000 ft: 191 mph
Cruise 55% @ 8000 ft: 172 mph
Stall Speed: 58 mph
Takeoff Distance: 650 ft
Landing Distance: 500 ft
Rate of Climb: 1,400 fpm
Ceiling: 18,500 ft
Range 75% @ 8000 ft: 835 sm
Range 55% @ 8000 ft: 1,025 sm

RV-7
Engine: 180 hp
Prop: Hartzell 2 Blade C/S
Span: 25 ft 0in.
Length: 20 ft 4 in.
Height: 5 ft 10 in
Wing Area: 121 sq ft
Empty Weight: 1061 – 1114 lbs
Gross Weight: 1800 lbs
Wing Loading: 14.8 lb/sq ft
Power Loading: 12.0 – 9.0 lb/hp
Engine: 150-200 hp
Propeller: Fixed or C/S
Fuel Capacity: 42 US gal
Baggage: 100 lbs
Top Speed: 209 mph
Cruise 75% @ 8000 ft: 199 mph
Cruise 55% @ 8000 ft: 179 mph
Stall Speed: 58 mph
Takeoff Distance: 575 ft
Landing Distance: 500 ft
Rate of Climb: 1,650 fpm
Ceiling: 20,500 ft
Range 75% @ 8000 ft: 775 sm
Range 55% @ 8000 ft: 950 sm

RV-7
Engine: 200 hp
Prop: Hartzell 2 Blade C/S
Span: 25 ft 0in.
Length: 20 ft 4 in.
Height: 5 ft 10 in
Wing Area: 121 sq ft
Empty Weight: 1061 – 1114 lbs
Gross Weight: 1800 lbs
Wing Loading: 14.8 lb/sq ft
Power Loading: 12.0 – 9.0 lb/hp
Engine: 150-200 hp
Propeller: Fixed or C/S
Fuel Capacity: 42 US gal
Baggage: 100 lbs
Top Speed: 216 mph
Cruise 75% @ 8000 ft: 206 mph
Cruise 55% @ 8000 ft: 186 mph
Stall Speed: 58 mph
Takeoff Distance: 500 ft
Landing Distance: 500 ft
Rate of Climb: 1,900 fpm
Ceiling: 22,500 ft
Range 75% @ 8000 ft: 765 sm
Range 55% @ 8000 ft: 935 sm

RV-7A
Engine: 160 hp
Prop: Hartzell 2 Blade C/S
Span: 25 ft 0 in
Length: 20 ft 4 in
Height: 7 ft 10 in
Wing Area: 121 sq ft
Empty Weight: 1077 – 1130 lbs
Gross Weight: 1800 lbs
Wing Loading: 14.8 lb/sq ft
Power Loading: 12.0 – 9.0 lb/hp
Engine: 150-200 hp
Propeller: Fixed or C/S
Fuel Capacity: 42 US gal
Baggage: 100 lbs
Top Speed: 199 mph
Cruise 75% @ 8000 ft: 189 mph
Cruise 55% @ 8000 ft: 170 mph
Stall Speed: 58 mph
Takeoff Distance: 650 ft
Landing Distance: 500 ft
Rate of Climb: 1,350 fpm
Ceiling: 17,500 ft
Range 75% @ 8000 ft: 825 sm
Range 55% @ 8000 ft: 1015 sm

RV-7A
Engine: 180 hp
Prop: Hartzell 2 Blade C/S
Span: 25 ft 0 in
Length: 20 ft 4 in
Height: 7 ft 10 in
Wing Area: 121 sq ft
Empty Weight: 1077 – 1130 lbs
Gross Weight: 1800 lbs
Wing Loading: 14.8 lb/sq ft
Power Loading: 12.0 – 9.0 lb/hp
Engine: 150-200 hp
Propeller: Fixed or C/S
Fuel Capacity: 42 US gal
Baggage: 100 lbs
Top Speed: 207 mph
Cruise 75% @ 8000 ft: 197 mph
Cruise 55% @ 8000 ft: 177 mph
Stall Speed: 58 mph
Takeoff Distance: 575 ft
Landing Distance: 500 ft
Rate of Climb: 1,600 fpm
Ceiling: 19,500 ft
Range 75% @ 8000 ft: 765 sm
Range 55% @ 8000 ft: 940 sm

RV-7A
Engine: 200 hp
Prop: Hartzell 2 Blade C/S
Span: 25 ft 0 in
Length: 20 ft 4 in
Height: 7 ft 10 in
Wing Area: 121 sq ft
Empty Weight: 1077 – 1130 lbs
Gross Weight: 1800 lbs
Wing Loading: 14.8 lb/sq ft
Power Loading: 12.0 – 9.0 lb/hp
Engine: 150-200 hp
Propeller: Fixed or C/S
Fuel Capacity: 42 US gal
Baggage: 100 lbs
Top Speed: 213 mph
Cruise 75% @ 8000 ft: 204 mph
Cruise 55% @ 8000 ft: 183 mph
Stall Speed: 58 mph
Takeoff Distance: 500 ft
Landing Distance: 500 ft
Rate of Climb: 1,850 fpm
Ceiling: 21,500 ft
Range 75% @ 8000 ft: 755 sm
Range 55% @ 8000 ft: 925 sm

Soon after the RV-4 proved that a two seat RV was practical, prospective customers began asking for a side-by-side RV.
When the demand became too big to ignore, Van went back to the drafting board. Using what he’d learned from the RV-3 and RV-4, he designed the RV-6.
He made it 43 inches wide and gave it a baggage compartment behind the seats. The wing on the RV-4 worked so well that there was no point in changing it, so he didn’t. The canopy was a forward opening bubble that closed almost seamlessly and the fuel capacity was increased.
The RV-6 made its first flight in 1985. When all the flight testing was done, it was only three miles per hour slower than the RV-4.
One limit to RV sales had always been the fact that they were all tailwheel airplanes. Installing a nose wheel solved the problem. The RV-6A featured a very simple tricycle gear, with steel rod main gear legs and a free castoring nosewheel. The nosegear leg was supported by the steel engine mount and required no complicated steering mechanisms or shock absorbers. The modification resulted in very little weight gain and almost negligible performance loss.
After the RV-6A was flying, Van’s designed a sliding canopy option on both the RV-6 and RV-6A.

Kits were priced at $11,810-12,565, and a quick-build kit at $19,320-19,995.

Eustace Bowhay, of Salmon Arm, BC, is a pilot with vast experience in both land and water aircraft. He carefully researched the matter and decided that the RV-6 had the potential to be an excellent floatplane. After consulting engineers, he designed a float installation and submitted it to the Canadian authorities for engineering approval. The Canadian Ministry of Transport determined that the RV-6 was strong enough, without modification, to handle the added stresses and loads imposed by flying off water. Cruise speeds, with the 180 hp Lycoming and constant speed prop, were 150 statue miles per hour. The water handling characteristics were excellent and the airplane was easy to land and taxi on land or water.
After flying the airplane on both wheels and straight floats for two years, Eustace and Jim decided they could have the best of both worlds, and installed amphibious floats. These worked just as well.
In 2005, Eustace, then over 80, decided that it was time to step out of the cockpit. C-GHAY was converted back to wheels and sold. Eustace died in 2006

Aeronautical Industrial Engineering And Project Management Company Ltd. / AIEP, in Nigeria was established 1979 to assemble kits of the Van’s RV-6A, known locally as Air Beetle and used by the Nigerian Air Force as the T18 trainer.

The RV 6s normal limit of plus or minus 6g, fully aerobatic in the sports category. The carburetted 160 hp Lycoming 0 320H2AD. Empty weight is 1010 lbs and the 1600 lb MAUW and full fuel of 144 litres.
Climb speed of 90 kts brings only about 2350 rpm, with around 1200 fpm indicated. This RV 6 will climb at 1600 fpm at MAUW at its best angle speed of 65 kts. Cruise at 75 percent power is slightly better than 150 kts, not much slower than full power.

Gallery

Variation:
Aviation Industries of Iran AVA-202

RV-6
Engine: Lycoming O-320, 150 hp
Span: 23 ft
Length: 20 ft 2 in
Height: 5 ft 3 in
Wing Area: 110 sq ft
Empty Weight: 965 lbs
Gross Weight: 1600 lbs
Wing Loading: 14.5 lb/sq ft
Power Loading: 10 lb/hp
Engine: 150-180 hp
Propeller: fixed or C/S
Fuel Capacity: 38 US gal
Baggage: 60 lbs
Top Speed: 197 mph
Cruise 75% @ 8000 ft: 186 mph
Cruise 55% @ 8000 ft: 168 mph
Stall Speed: 55 mph
Takeoff Distance: 550 ft
Landing Distance: 500 ft
Rate of Climb: 1,355 fpm
Ceiling: 15,800 ft
Range 75% @ 8000 ft: 775 sm
Range 55% @ 8000 ft: 950 sm

RV-6
Engine: Lycoming O-320, 160 hp
Span: 23 ft
Length: 20 ft 2 in
Height: 5 ft 3 in
Wing Area: 110 sq ft
Empty Weight: 965 lbs
Gross Weight: 1600 lbs
Wing Loading: 14.5 lb/sq ft
Power Loading: 10 lb/hp
Engine: 150-180 hp
Propeller: fixed or C/S
Fuel Capacity: 38 US gal
Baggage: 60 lbs
Top Speed: 201 mph
Cruise 75% @ 8000 ft: 190 mph
Cruise 55% @ 8000 ft: 171 mph
Stall Speed: 55 mph
Takeoff Distance: 535 ft
Landing Distance: 500 ft
Rate of Climb: 1,500 fpm
Ceiling: 17,400 ft
Range 75% @ 8000 ft: 775 sm
Range 55% @ 8000 ft: 950 sm

RV-6
Engine: 180 hp
Span: 23 ft
Length: 20 ft 2 in
Height: 5 ft 3 in
Wing Area: 110 sq ft
Empty Weight: 965 lbs
Gross Weight: 1600 lbs
Wing Loading: 14.5 lb/sq ft
Power Loading: 10 lb/hp
Engine: 150-180 hp
Propeller: fixed or C/S
Fuel Capacity: 38 US gal
Baggage: 60 lbs
Top Speed: 209 mph
Cruise 75% @ 8000 ft: 198 mph
Cruise 55% @ 8000 ft: 178 mph
Stall Speed: 55 mph
Takeoff Distance: 475 ft
Landing Distance: 500 ft
Rate of Climb: 1,790 fpm
Ceiling: 20,800 ft
Range 75% @ 8000 ft: 720 sm
Range 55% @ 8000 ft: 880 sm

RV-6A
Engine: 150 hp
Span: 23 ft
Length: 19 ft 9 in
Height: 6 ft 8 in
Wing Area: 110 sq ft
Empty Weight: 985 lbs
Gross Weight: 1650 lbs
Wing Loading: 15 lb/sq ft
Power Loading: 10.3 lb/hp
Engine: 150-180 hp
Propeller: fixed or C/S
Fuel Capacity: 38 US gal
Baggage: 60 lbs
Top Speed: 195 mph
Cruise 75% @ 8000 ft: 184 mph
Cruise 55% @ 8000 ft: 166 mph
Stall Speed: 55 mph
Takeoff Distance: 560 ft
Landing Distance: 500 ft
Rate of Climb: 1,305 fpm
Ceiling: 14,750 ft
Range 75% @ 8000 ft: 760 sm
Range 55% @ 8000 ft: 875 sm

RV-6A
Engine: 160 hp
Span: 23 ft
Length: 19 ft 9 in
Height: 6 ft 8 in
Wing Area: 110 sq ft
Empty Weight: 985 lbs
Gross Weight: 1650 lbs
Wing Loading: 15 lb/sq ft
Power Loading: 10.3 lb/hp
Engine: 150-180 hp
Propeller: fixed or C/S
Fuel Capacity: 38 US gal
Baggage: 60 lbs
Top Speed: 199 mph
Cruise 75% @ 8000 ft: 188 mph
Cruise 55% @ 8000 ft: 169 mph
Stall Speed: 55 mph
Takeoff Distance: 535 ft
Landing Distance: 500 ft
Rate of Climb: 1,450 fpm
Ceiling: 16,300 ft
Range 75% @ 8000 ft: 760 sm
Range 55% @ 8000 ft: 875 sm

RV-6A
Engine: 180 hp
Span: 23 ft
Length: 19 ft 9 in
Height: 6 ft 8 in
Wing Area: 110 sq ft
Empty Weight: 985 lbs
Gross Weight: 1650 lbs
Wing Loading: 15 lb/sq ft
Power Loading: 10.3 lb/hp
Engine: 150-180 hp
Propeller: fixed or C/S
Fuel Capacity: 38 US gal
Baggage: 60 lbs
Top Speed: 207 mph
Cruise 75% @ 8000 ft: 196 mph
Cruise 55% @ 8000 ft: 176 mph
Stall Speed: 55 mph
Takeoff Distance: 485 ft
Landing Distance: 500 ft
Rate of Climb: 1,740 fpm
Ceiling: 19,700 ft
Range 75% @ 8000 ft: 705 sm
Range 55% @ 8000 ft: 810 sm

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 philosophy 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 handling characteristics are said to be “virtually identical” a result that surprised 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 that 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

A Back Yard Flyer UL prototype was built by Valley Engineering in 2005 as a STOL ultralight. Featuring a constant-chord wing with trailing full-length “flaperons.” Demonstrated take-off in about three seconds over 70 feet. With simple disassembly for trailering it was priced around.$25,000.

Planned production was for a two place, open cockpit low wing monoplane, side-by-side SP version for the FAA Part 103 Sport Pliot market, includes ballistic parachute system.

Engine: Valley-VW
Cruise speed: 90 mph
Stall: 30 mph
Seats: 1