Van's Aircraft RV-12 - Design and Development

Design and Development

The architect of the line of Van’s aircraft, Richard VanGrunsven, designed the RV-12 with several specific goals in mind. These include:

• Flying qualities equal to or better than the standard set by the RV-9A
• 550 lb (249 kg) payload – to carry a projected load of a 190 lb (86 kg) pilot and passenger, 120 lb (54 kg) of fuel (20 U.S. gallons (76 L; 17 imp gal)) and 50 lb (23 kg) of baggage or cargo.
• 750 lb (340 kg) aircraft empty weight
• Cabin width of 43 in (109 cm)
• A low parts count, with an aim of reducing kit cost and construction time
• Minimal use of composites and maximum use of aluminum
• Maximum use of simple hand tools only for construction

The LSA class limits aircraft to a maximum takeoff weight of 1,320 lb (599 kg), a maximum clean, stall speed with no flaps of 51 mph (45 knots) and a maximum level speed of 138 mph (120 knots) and the production RV-12 falls within those maximum limits.

The prototype incorporated several new features for an RV-series aircraft including: removable wings, full-span flaperons and an all-moving stabilator. It is intended that the RV-12 will be powered by a Rotax 912ULS engine of 100 hp and equipped with a Sensenich composite ground-adjustable propeller, although as a kit aircraft the builder can complete it as they choose.

Originally, the RV-12 was equipped with the Dynon FlightDEK-D180, the Garmin GPS 496, Garmin SL-40, Garmin GTX-327 Transponder, and the Flightcom 403 intercom. The RV-12 avionics kit now comes with the 10" Dynon SkyView D-1000 that includes synthetic vision, Mode-S transponder, and mapping to replace the Garmin GPS Map 496. The new kit still includes the Garmin SL-40 Comm, and the Flightcom 403 intercom.

Vans aircraft has many optional packages for the RV-12. These options do not change the E-LSA licencing. A lighting package is available, two-axis autopilot, interior package (sidewall covers, carpet, different colors), and wheel fairings to protect the wheels and increase the speed a few knots.

The aircraft received S-LSA approval in July, 2009 making it possible for home builders to license it in either the E-LSA category, simplifying certification requirements, or the experimental, amateur-built category.

The RV-12 is the first production kit from Vans that is predominantly constructed using blind rivets, which allows the majority of the construction to be done without an assistant. The use of computerized punch machines to punch out most of the rivet holes to final size simplifies construction by minimizing the need to debur or final size most of the rivet holes. Since the wings are designed to be detached, the majority of the airplane can be constructed in most standard residential garages.

The RV-12 is sold as six sub-kits: wings, fuselage, empennage & tailcone, finishing (cowling, wiring, canopy, etc.), powerplant, and avionics. Van's indicates that they cannot "provide assistance or advice on any deviations from the supplied parts and assembly instructions".

Partial RV-12 kits became available to customers in April 2008, with complete kits made available in the fall of 2008.

In October 2012 Van's announced that the company would produce a limited run of twelve fully assembled RV-12s which will be sold as SLSAs. The aircraft will be assembled from production kits by Synergy Air. The "Signature Edition" RV-12s will cost US$115,000.