It's obvious direct competitor is the RANS 21, it will be interesting to see how that plays out.
On the flip side, a fellow very long time RANS S-7 pilot/builder/modder, just bought a RV-3. Not to replace the 7 but for his go fast, and does it ever! 190 mph +, MT 3 blade prop, sliding canopy, and a very snazzy paint job, for a price that made me offer him 5K more for it on the spot, he just laughed.
I can imagine the VANS crew this Monday morning going over all the social media posts about the initial reaction to the 15 from the pilot community, or, maybe they are so confident they don't bother? It's obvious direct competitor is the RANS 21, it will be interesting to see how that plays out.
The thing I don't like about the Rans S-21 is the very short wing. Randy explained during the design process that he wasn't comfortable making the wing longer without going to two wing struts per wing, and he wanted to keep it to one strut. I'm sure there was more to it than that, but I think that was a bad decision for a "back country" plane. That said, I'm not sure the S-21 was really designed as a back country plane. And, it may be that this one isn't either.....
It will be very interesting to see the "finished product". But, with Van's track record, I'm betting this will be a winner.
MTV
MTV
Looks alot nicer up close and seems to have some good features.
If that’s a trimming horizontal it trims at the trailing edge. That’s highly unlikely.
If that’s a trimming horizontal it trims at the trailing edge. That’s highly unlikely.
Actually, those are some Huge flaps.
Interesting looking gear as well. Look at this photo, zoom in on gear attach, it’s got some sort of shock system where the gear attaches.
View attachment 61719
MTV
The 2nd video makes this plane look a lot more interesting. Only question now is… How heavy duty is the empennage?
Looks like Vans might have a winner here.
Looks like a stabilator to me, but curious why trimming at the TE is highly unlikely?If that’s a trimming horizontal it trims at the trailing edge. That’s highly unlikely.