Vans RV-15, What is the competition? An overview of the RV-15 and a look at possible competitors

Vans Aircraft RV-15, what is the Competition? A look at the specs and capabilities of the Vans Aircraft new High Wing STOL aircraft as presented at Airventure 2022 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and a look at possible competitors. Discussion on what STOL and Rough Field capable is as well as showing aircraft models from five different manufacturers to include: Bearhawk Aircraft and their 4 place model, Rans Aircraft S-21 Outbound, Sling Aircraft High Wing, Murphy Aircraft Yukon and Radical models, and the Glasair Aviation Sportsman model. Discussing metal and fabric aircraft coverings, Side by side versus Tandem seating, Take off and landing distances and other aircraft specs. This video is only including amateur built experimental aircraft that would be considered Bush planes, backcountry capable and such called airplanes.

[gregphilpott]

I’m glad you included the S-21, seems often overlooked

[texak]

I am so glad to see this one in the experimental market. It checks almost every box for me. The Bearhawk is great, but as a Supercub pilot, I’m not into the slow cruise any longer. This is a great family aircraft IF they make it optional with rear jump seats.

[thisismagacountry]

I'm 63 and not giving up on my dream of aircraft ownership, but the RV appeals because of its capabilities.
The go anywhere type of plane with real load capacity you want.

[LTVoyager]

I am currently building an S-21 after waiting on Van’s for many years to build a high wing. They were three years too late for me. I think the S-21 is probably the closest competitor based on what I know about the -15 thus far. The -15 will be a little bigger and heavier with more HP, but the basic configuration and mission of the two airplanes is similar: a fairly good STOL performance with cruise speeds in the 140 K range.

[danieldrinkwalter]

Bearhawk Companion, Rans S21 Outbound, Murphy Radical, Zenith STOL 750 SD come to mind for me. Though the RV15 technically might be a 4 seater, or a 2+2, it looks to me more like it will fit the "2 seat STOL with big useful load" mission profile.

[WayneMeador]

Great video! I’m really glad you included Bearhawk in the list! I think, however, you should also go look at the Bearhawk model five. There’s not much data out there yet, and only a few of them have been built… But, it’s much more of a competitor Than the Bearhawk Fourplace due to its overall flight characteristics and load capability.

[backcountyrpilot]

The Aerotrek A220 is a 100 HP, side-by side taildragger that weighs 6703# empty, takes off in 250’ with my 185# frame, 20 gallons fuel and maybe 20# of stuff in the back. It climbs about 1100 FPM at sea level.
On a good day I can land it in 250’ on pavement. With the tailwheel on the threshold, I can definitely takeoff before the top of the runway numbers and often land before them- with no wind.
Top speed is 125mph with the Rotax 912 ULS at 5500 RPM burning about 6GPH.
When I putt along with my buddies in their J3 Cubs at 65-70 MPH, I burn about 3.5 GPH.
The best part is the A220 is less than $120, 000 new and Rob Rollison at Aerotrek in Indiana offers amazing customer service.

[davida.]

Most of us fly solo 90% of the time. Imagine a single seat STOL but super rugged adventure aircraft 100' take off and landing 1500' climb. Having the extra seat that is rarely used by many pilots is what costs and costs in so many ways.

[SI-lgvp]

I'm all in with the RV-15. I expect this plane will out sell all the other RV options. I'm not a back country off airport pilot but I could be with the RV-15. I want a large cabin and room to carry a larger load. The airplane size looks like it will be easier to build and with the option of standard rivets of pull rivets. The low wing RV's are smaller, and getting into looks like having to step on the seat bottom first. I like the high wing and wide door frames of the RV-15. Now I'm retired it time to build a plane to enjoy what remaining runway I have left. My favorite airplane is still the B-737, but those days are over, and time to enjoy a slower plane and the views. Can't wait till the plane becomes available.

[geneaux]

Why didn't you include the Zenith CH-801?

[OldSloGuy]

One unique feature of the RV15 is carrying a standard bicycle with the front wheel detached in the baggage compartment. Removing the wheel shortens the bike by roughly a foot and the front wheel of course rides next to it. So, putting the bike back together is a matter of using the large thumb screws on the axle. Removing the front wheel also allows a mechanical attachment to the RV15 similar to what you often see on automobile roof racks carrying bikes. Bolt down the front fork and bungee the rear and you are good to go. Since a bike frame is a lot harder than a sleeping bag, having jumping baggage in rough air could take on a new meaning without the bolt down feature.

[jeffmckelvey]

Another vote for the BearHawk 4 Place 🙂

[timaidley]

I feel like the RV-15 and S-21 are pretty close. Unless you *really* want a couple of cramped seats in the back the S-21 seems like the slightly smaller sibling of the RV-15. It goes almost as fast, carries almost as much etc. But it'll probably cost a little bit less to make and burn a little less fuel.

Also, I can't believe you didn't mention the Sonex High Wing 😆

[philipcraig]

Didn't they said it was going to be a 2 seat aircraft and they "may" consider making it a 2+2 at some time in the future? Looking at it since launch just before Oshkosh, it looks like it will be a squish to get 4 seats into it and if the rear seats are rear facing, I think it will be an option that few will want. This is an issue, although to a lesser degree, that the Murphy Rebel builders face. The Rebel is technically a 2+1 but I have only ever seen 1 that had more than 2 seats and the reason the builders tell me is often insurance. Since the aircraft is flown most often with 1 person, you are paying the insurance for 4 people. Also, the 3rd seat in the Rebel is sideways which I think wouldn't be overly comfortable but at least the person can see out the windows. A reward facing seat is bound to induce airsickness in many 🤢. Regarding your comment on the Radical and Yukon, I spoke to the guys at Murphy about 6 or so months ago and they tell me the aircraft are both currently available but they are currently going over the designs to improve build-ability and make the construction easier; more factory pre drilling holes etc. Apparently, they are planning to do this with the entire line but are starting with the Radical and Yukon. Note, these are both 2+2 seaters with astonishing useful loads. The RV-15 has the advantage of being the latest to market and therefore, can look at everything else and design a product to match or exceed every category that people are looking for. For me, the biggest advantages the RV-15 seems to have, is the top end cruise speed while being approximately equal in all other categories as well as the RV history of designing aircraft with great flying qualities and reasonably easy to build. However, it will be interesting to see what the final configuration and specifications are ... when they finally lock the design down.

[honchohuze]

Dude is stroking Vans so hard right now. LOL. "I wouldn't say any of them are the equal of the RV-15" Oof. Overzealous on a brand new aircraft design, not yet proven. It's like a startup talking about projected income. But still, thanks for the video. I would say Bearhawk Companion is sounding closer if RV-15 is a side by side 2 place.

[danliddiard]

I'd probably say the Rams s21 outbound is the closest. Similar engine options, both two seaters, both shorter STOL. Both all metal.

[jeepfreakiii]

Small request. Can you equalize your audio? Your voice overs are much higher than the rest.

[derickellisster]

RV 15 is more rugged and has comparable speed but with less range. I have flown a lot of Sling's and have a few hundred hours on the RV7 only. So not sure about the others, but they are as different as can be. In the end it depends on your mission. IMHO, Sling HW when you mainly do A to B and RV 15 for hunting, fishing, camping etc and want respectable en course TAS. Also, the Sling HW will take 4 adults, full fuel and bags along for around 750nm. They are remarkabke aircraft.

[t.hangar]

Murphy Radical !! And RV15 is a two seater

[medic]

If I win the lotto I am gonna make a aviation kit company that specializes in 2 adult seater and 2 child seat bush/stol air planes. Think the size of a rans s21 but with really small seats in the back for small children 80 pounds. Seats will be made of harness cloth and be removable. I will call it the desert runner and Artic runner. Desert will have large bush wheels and focus on hot weather flying. The Artic runner will be a Alaska inspired sled or pontoon landing gear. The kit will be influenced by kitfox and rans builds. Kits will be builder friendly and have the kit be at minimal cost by assembling some parts in mexico where labor is cheaper but quality is good. I want a kit for the average dad that wants to take his wife and little kid out for a flight. Ill have bush pilots and engineers meet and have most of the avavation community help out with input. I'll pay a celebrity to help endose the company and make tic toc video and make it cool to the younger generation while getting credibility from the older community with fly in and shows. What do you think?