The RV12 meets the certification standards of the Light Sport Aircraft category.

Vans Aircraft RV12 LSA

The RV-12 is Van’s newest design, intended to meet the standards of the new Light Sport Category. It’s a two-seat all-metal side-by-side airplane with a large cabin that seats the occupants ahead of the wing spar for maximum room and superb visibility. It is powered by a Rotax 912S 100 hp engine turning a Sensenich composite ground-adjustable propeller.

DESIGN GOALS

We have set several goals for the design.

Flying qualities equal to or better than the RV-9A (not easily achieved!)

A 550 lb. payload – this equates to two 190 lb. people, 120 lbs. of fuel and 50 lbs. of baggage. 750 lb empty weight.

From the construction point of view, we want:

A low parts count, to reduce kit costs and assembly time.

Systems installation at the lowest possible level of structural subassembly.

Minimal use of composites.

Maximum use of simple hand tools, possibly eliminating the need for pneumatic tools (not the desire for them, perhaps, but the need!)

We incorporated several new ideas (new to us, at least) into N912VA, our proof-of-concept RV12 prototype.

Removable wings. The two spar stubs projecting from the inboard ends of the wings overlap inside the fuselage and are secured with two large pins, fitting into carefully machined bushings. Full span flaperons will hook up automatically as the wings are installed using fittings similar to those proven over many years in sailplanes. An all-moving stabilator because it can be smaller than a conventional stabilizer/elevator arrangement and permits the airplane to fit into a trailer.

TOTAL PERFORMANCE

Performance of Light Sport Aircraft is defined by the rules of the category:

Maximum takeoff weight: 1,320 lbs (599 kg.) Maximum stall speed (flaps up): 51 mph (45 knots) Maximum speed, level flight w/maximum continuous power: 138 mph (120 knots)

Our goal is to produce an airplane that meets these performance standards.

However, speed and carrying capacity is only part of the story. Traditionally, RVs have been known for excellent flying qualities — they are responsive without being "twitchy", quick without being abrupt, and offer high performance while still being easy to fly.

We are proud of that tradition and will be doing our best to make sure that the RV12 takes its rightful place in our line of Total Performance airplanes.

The first RV12 rolled out in March 2008. Vans Aircraft is finishing up the flight test portion so that the aircraft can be certified and shipped to prospective builders.

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