Vans RV-4

Vans RV-4 airplane model. The RV-4 was a development of the single-seat RV-3 and was also designed by Richard Van Grunsven of Oregon, USA.  It seated two in tandem and was similar in external appearance to the RV-3 but was some 20% larger. There was no commonality of airframe components, the design goal being only to retain the flight characteristics and overall performance of the RV-3.

The prototype of the RV-4 (N14RV) was first flown on 21 August 1979 and since then a large number of kits has been sold to home-builders throughout the world.  The wing was of light alloy construction of constant chord with an I-beam main spar, a light rear spar, pressed ribs and molded fiberglass tips.  All-metal Frise-type ailerons were fitted.  The fuselage was of all-metal semi-monocoque structure using 2024-T3 light alloy, and a fiberglass engine cowl was fitted.  The tail unit was of cantilever structure of light alloy with fiberglass tips. Fuel capacity was 121 liters (26.6 Imp gals) and accommodation was provided for two with a baggage compartment forward of the instrument panel, and another aft of the rear seat, with a total capacity of 12.6 kg (30 lb). Further development of the RV-4 led to the RV-6, the prototype of which was flown in April 1977, and the RV-8.

Scale 1/32. Wingspan 11.5 inches, Length 10 inches.