Van's Aircraft RV-3

The RV-3 by Van's Aircraft is the granddaddy of an entire line of very popular homebuilt/kit built aircraft. The RV-3 is a single seat taildragger with aluminum skin. It was designed from the start to have light, fighter-like handling, which has no doubt added to the popularity of the entire line.

Development

The RV-3's designer, Richard VanGrunsven, conceived the plane in the late 1960s. His plan started as an attempt to improve the home built Stits Playboy. In addition to being aerobatic, the RV-3 was intended to have high cruise speeds and short field capabilities. The RV-3 was also designed for cross country flying by including 30 US gallons of fuel for a range of about 600 statute miles. The plane is designed for 100-150 horsepower, often using a Lycoming O-235 or O-320, although some builders have fitted larger engines.

The RV-3's wing is constant chord with a NACA 23015 airfoil. Construction is semi-monocoque of mostly 2024-T3 aluminum sheet. The main spar is an aluminum I-beam with a lighter rear spar. Plain flaps are operated by a manual handle. The main landing gear is tapered, sprung steel tubes. Construction time is reported to be 1300 hours for a first time builder.

Structural concerns the about the RV-3 resulted in a halt to production in 1996. VanGrunsven engineered a new wing for the RV-3. Previously completed RV-3 that have been retrofitted with a new spar and wing root are known as RV-3A's. Aircraft completed since the wing redesign and those retrofitted with the new wing are referred to as RV-3B's.

More than 266 RV-3s had been completed.