Vans RV-12: specs, cost, engine, interior, and cockpit

Vans RV-12: specs, cost, engine, interior, and cockpit. The Vans RV-12 is a single-engine, two-seat light sport aircraft created by Van’s Aircraft headquartered in Oregon, USA. The first RV-12 flight occurred on November 9, 2006 and began operating in April 2008. The aircraft kit is available in six separate sub-kits: empennage or tailcone kits, wing kits, aircraft kits, finish kits, avionics kits and powerplant kits. The most current variant of the RV-12 is the RV-12iS which is equipped with the newest avionics engine and suite.

Vans RV-12 Engine and Performance

The RV-12 is powered by a single Rotax 912ULS engine that can produce an output power of 74 kW to drive a two-bladed Sensenich composite propeller. The engine is equipped with four-stroke and four-cylinder air conditioning system, which offer electronic dual ignition, electric starter, air intake and exhaust unit. The engine weighs around 56.6 kg and its displacement is 82.6 inches (2 m ³). This engine offers an external 12V DC alternator.

RV-12 aircraft can fly with a maximum speed of 223 km/ h and a cruise speed of 210 km/ h. While the stall speed is 75 km/ hour. The service range and ceiling are 893 km and 4,206 m, respectively. The RV-12 aircraft requires a 213 m takeoff distance and 160 m landing distance. This aircraft weighs around 340 kg and the maximum take-off weight is 600 kg.

Vans RV-12 Specs

RV-12 is designed based on the standards of lightweight sports aircraft. The fuselage is made of all-metal materials, especially aluminum. This aircraft has a unique design and is claimed to be more efficient than the RV-9A. The aircraft is equipped with flapers and full-span stabilizers that are small enough to allow the aircraft to fit in the trailer. The aircraft can be navigated in various directions via a controlled nozzle. Diemnsi overall aircraft includes a length of 6.12 m, a wing width of 8.15 m, and a height of 2.53 m.

RV-12 aircraft have removable wings, gear kits or wheel fairings, stabilizers, strobe, landing and position lights, canopies, and computer punch machines. The wing can be easily removed in a few seconds by two people by simply pulling a pair of pins located behind the seat. The removable lightweight wing allows the RV-12 to be parked at home or hangar. The aircraft is equipped with a ignition unit to prevent engine start if the wing is not installed properly.

The RV-12 landing mechanism is a fixed tricycle-type landing gear. The wheels are built with steel leaf springs and are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. It was also equipped with three 5 × 5 wheels which were located one under the nose and two under the fuselage.

Vans RV-12 Cockpit and Avionics

The RV-12 cockpit can accommodate 2 seats for pilots and passengers in side-by-side configurations. The Dynon D180 cockpit is integrated with avionics suite including the Garmin SL-40 communication radio, Flightcom intercom, Artex 406 emergency locater transmitter, Garmin GTX-327 transponder and Garmin 496 global positioning device.

The Dynon AP74 and Dynon D100 passenger side electronic flight instrumentation units are also installed as standard. The switches and fuses incorporated in the glass panel control the entire RV-12 circuit. The glass fiber panel which is equipped with a cockpit avionics unit is provided by Garmin Avionics.

Vans RV-12 Cabin and Interior

The RV-12 aircraft has a roomy and comfortable cabin in an advanced cabin configuration. The cabin has a width of 1.09 m and is equipped with a particularly built canopy providing clear visibility to the pilot. Two chairs are located in front of the main pillar, not above. The cabin is equipped with a 22 kg luggage chamber located behind the seats. The RV-12 consists of interior panel kits in various colors with matching seat cushions.

Vans RV-12 Price

The price of the most up-to-date Vans RV-12 light sport aircraft is around US $ 135,000 for the base model and $ 145,000 for the premium version with two-screen glass panels, automated pilots, and luxury interiors.