What do you see as the benefits of the 15 over the CC?

Makes sense to me. I'm wondering if it's a 2+2 configuration. Looks like a whole lot of space between the pilot seat and the aft bulkhead.

Dream KPPs:

150kts cruise.
800lb with reasonable fuel.
Mogas compatible.
Cabin sized for two average Americans, not dieting Ethiopians.
Operate comfortably from 700ft surface.
Ultra-Maximum Idiot Proof quick build kit.

As I look at the video, I see a number of things I like.

I think it looks more like a 170 than a 140. It has rear windows, which must mean at least a vestigial rear seat. And it looks like there will be baggage room behind that. No reason to put a baggage door on an engineering prototype, but I would expect one later.

I see higher aspect ratio wings. Not the usual Van's 23000 series, but maybe a John Roncz airfoil. The RV10 is a joy at low airspeed. I bet 130 kts cruise. And look at those flap tracks! Large Fowler flaps, with a wide span.

An aluminum monocoque is just as crash worthy as a steel tube fuselage. An aluminum skin will be easier to live with than fabric. I love the doors. Easy in and out, and visibility.

I will bet on the 390 for power. Looks like fuel tanks aft of the front spar, with push rod controls. A single strut.

Side by side seating. Manual flaps with the bar on the ceiling.

Yes, I will build it. I have built an RV-8 and the EX-3, and I love the process. The matched hole tech on the newer RVs makes it easy to build a quality airplane.

At first blush, do you suspect this will be better than the RANS S-21?

This is the first RV that's ever captured my excitement. They're gonna sell a sh*tload of these.

Bunch of visibility out of that cockpit. That is excellent.

How many Van’s products allowed the wings to be removed? Just the RV12?

Price. CC nicely equipped EX-3 kit is over $250,000. now.

--paul

Would look great with 8:50s + on the legs. Looks like plenty of tail. Give it a big cargo door and its a seller.

Take a look at where his eye level is. Almost at the top of the door. Looks about like a Cessna 172/182 in that regard. But visibility over the nose does look pretty good.

Probably RV-14 VS and rudder. The same profile as RV-9 but beefed up internal structure for the higher performance of the -14.

The cowling looks very similar to RV-14, suggesting the engine may be the newer IO-390exp (215 HP, updated a bit to shed some weight - smaller oil sump and no accessory drive for vaccum pump or tach) using Airflow Performance Fuel injection system.

Flaps are unique - looks like 2/3 of wingspan and Fowler type. Clearly targeting very low stall speeds and short field capability.

The gear legs look similar to RV-14A as well.

The prototype has Beringer wheels/brakes - this suggests Van's will be selling them directly - nice for builders since Beringer's support is "OK" but not up to Van's standards in terms of documentation etc. Currently all Van's with Beringer wheels/brakes are aftermarket mods.

RV - 14A gear leg w/o fairing:



Beringer wheel/brake on RV-14A gear leg:

Take a look at where his eye level is. Almost at the top of the door. Looks about like a Cessna 172/182 in that regard. But visibility over the nose does look pretty good.

If anyone can build a righteous RV anything, it is John Huft.
"Build it light, Tom", was his recommendation to me when I built my RV-8 years ago.
I believe his was one of the fastest.

TN

New video reveals new feature - check out the landing gear - internal shock absorption.

[youtube]https://youtu.be/-FLjPoxsk7Y[/youtube]