Van's RV-6
Van's Aircraft · United States · first flew 1986 · light aircraft
The Van's RV-6 is a popular two-seat side-by-side homebuilt kit aircraft with a low wing, known for its sporty handling and relatively high cruise speed for a light aircraft.
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:
- Side-by-side two-seat homebuilt kit aircraft
- Low-wing with distinctive Van's tapered wing planform
- Fixed or retractable tricycle undercarriage options
Low-wing monoplane with a tapered wing, side-by-side seating under a large bubble canopy, and a closely cowled Lycoming engine; the swept vertical tail is characteristic of all Van's RV designs.
Specifications
- The Van's RV-6 has a length of 6.02 m (20 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.01 m (23 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 322 km/h (200 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Richard VanGrunsven and first flown in 1986, the RV-6 became one of Van's Aircraft's most popular designs. Thousands of examples have been completed by amateur builders worldwide, making it one of the most numerous homebuilt types ever.
Variants
The RV-6A is the tricycle-gear version; the RV-6 uses conventional (tailwheel) gear. Both share the same airframe.
Where you'll see it
Widely flown by private owners across North America, Europe, and Australia; a staple of fly-ins and airshows as a fast, efficient homebuilt.
Related aircraft
- Van's RV-4
- Van's RV-8
- Van's Aircraft RV-9
- Van's RV-3
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- Australian Lightwing GR 912
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