Project Description

MPH

207

SEATS

1

Van’s RV-3

Role:  Civil Aircraft

National Origin: United States

Manufacturer: Van’s Aircraft

First Flight: 1971

Primary User: Civilian Owners

Number Built: 281

The Van’s RV-3 is a single-seat, single-engine, low-wing kit aircraft sold by Van’s Aircraft. Unlike many other aircraft in the RV line the RV-3 is only available as a tail-wheel equipped aircraft, although it is possible that some may have been completed by builders as nose-wheel versions. The RV-3 is the genesis design for the rest of the RV series, all which strongly resemble the RV-3. The RV-4 was originally developed as a two-seat RV-3.

General characteristics

  • Crew: one pilot
  • Capacity: no passengers
  • Length: 19 ft 0 in (5.85 m)
  • Wingspan: 19 ft 11in (6.12 m)
  • Height: 5 ft 0 in (1.54 m)
  • Wing area: 90 ft² (8.35 m²)
  • Empty weight: 750 lb (340 kg)
  • Loaded weight: 1,100 lb (498 kg)
  • Max. takeoff weight: 1,100lb (498kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-320 fixed pitch, 150hp (111 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 207 mph at sea level (335 km/h)
  • Range: 595 statute miles at cruise 75% power at 8,000 ft (963 km at cruise 75% power at 2,500 m)
  • Service ceiling: 23,500 ft (7200 m)
  • Rate of climb: 2,050 ft/min (10.5 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 12.2 lb/ft² (61 kg/m²)