Van's RV-4
Van's Aircraft · United States · first flew 1979 · light aircraft
The Van's RV-4 is a tandem two-seat homebuilt kit aircraft combining the sporty single-seat feel of the RV-3 with a second cockpit for a passenger or student.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.02 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tandem two-seat low-wing homebuilt kit aircraft
- Conventional tailwheel undercarriage
- Narrow tandem cockpit with individual canopies
Resembles the RV-6 but with a narrower fuselage and tandem seating; the single-piece bubble canopy over both cockpits and tailwheel gear identify it from the RV-6A.
Specifications
- The Van's RV-4 has a length of 6.02 m (20 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.01 m (23 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 338 km/h (210 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (tandem).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1979, the RV-4 expanded the RV family to two seats in tandem, appealing to builders who wanted fighter-like handling with occasional passenger capability. It became one of the fastest-building RV variants.
Variants
The RV-4 was built only in conventional (tailwheel) configuration; the side-by-side market was addressed separately by the RV-6.
Where you'll see it
Popular with private homebuilders in the United States and internationally; frequently seen at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and regional fly-ins.
Related aircraft
- Van's RV-6
- Van's RV-3
- Van's RV-8
- Van's Aircraft RV-9
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