title: Van's Aircraft RV-8
text: # Van's Aircraft RV-8
  
  The Van's RV-8 is a tandem two-seat, single-engine, low-wing homebuilt aircraft sold in kit form by Van's Aircraft. The RV-8 is equipped with conventional landing gear, while the RV-8A version features tricycle landing gear. The design is similar to the earlier RV-4, although it is larger than that earlier model.
  
  ## Development
  
  Richard VanGrunsven designed the RV-8 series as an updated, larger tandem aircraft based on the RV-4 design concept. The RV-8 first flew in 1995 and was first shown publicly at Oshkosh that year.
  
  The RV-8 incorporated changes as a result of lessons learned in producing the popular RV-4 design. The RV-8 airframe accepts larger engines from 150 to 210 hp (112 to 157 kW), including the 210 hp (157 kW) Lycoming IO-390. The RV-8 also has increased wingspan and wing area over the RV-4, as well as greater cockpit width, headroom, legroom and an increased useful load, all with a view to accommodating larger pilots. Like the RV-3 to RV-7 that preceded it, the RV-8 is stressed for aerobatics.
  
  The RV-8 series was intended from inception to include a nose-gear-equipped version designated the RV-8A. The RV-8A was first flown in 1998
  
  As of November 2022, 1,611 RV-8s and RV-8As have been completed and flown.
  
  ## Specifications (RV-8)
  
  Data from Van's Aircraft
  
  General characteristics
  
  * Crew: one
  * Capacity: one passenger
  * Length: 21 ft 0 in (6.40 m)
  * Wingspan: 24 ft 0 in (7.32 m)
  * Height: 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
  * Wing area: 116 sq ft (10.8 $m^2)$
  * Empty weight: 1,120 lb (508 kg)
  * Gross weight: 1,800 lb (816 kg)
  * Fuel capacity: 42 U.S. gallons (160 L; 35 imp gal)
  * Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming IO-360 four cylinder, horizontally opposed piston aircraft engine with fuel injection, 200 hp (150 kW)
  
  Performance
  
  * Maximum speed: 221 mph (356 km/h, 192 kn)
  * Cruise speed: 210 mph (340 km/h, 180 kn) at 75% power at 8000 feet
  * Stall speed: 58 mph (93 km/h, 50 kn)
  * Range: 940 mi (1,510 km, 820 nmi) at 55% power and 8000 feet
  * Service ceiling: 22,500 ft (6,900 m)
  * Rate of climb: 1,900 ft/min (9.7 m/s)
  * Wing loading: 15.5 lb/sq ft (76 $kg/m^2)$
  