Van'S Aircraft Rv-15

Single Piston

The Van's RV-15 represents a significant departure for Van's Aircraft, the world's most prolific kit aircraft manufacturer. Introduced in 2021, the RV-15 is Van's first high-wing design in a product line historically dominated by low-wing sport aircraft, and its first model explicitly optimized for backcountry and bush flying rather than speed or aerobatics. With a 3,600-pound gross weight, rugged landing gear, and large tires, the RV-15 targets the same mission as the Cessna 180 and Maule M-7 but offers modern construction, better fuel efficiency, and the cost advantages of amateur-built certification. Powered by engines ranging from 180 to 210 horsepower, the RV-15 cruises around 140 knots while retaining docile low-speed handling with a stall speed near 51 knots in landing configuration. Its high-wing configuration provides excellent ground visibility and simplified access to the cabin, while the design accommodates oversized tundra tires and optional floats. The aircraft seats two side-by-side with generous baggage capacity, making it practical for remote operations where payload and short-field performance matter more than outright speed. As a relatively new design, the RV-15 is still in the early stages of fleet growth, with builders worldwide working through construction. Van's Aircraft itself operates the prototype for continued flight testing and demonstration purposes. SkyMeter has tracked 3 flights across 1 airframes and 1 operators, with VANS AIRCRAFT INC the largest observed operator.