HOME      Vans Aircraft RV-4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Click on the picture to hear the wav sound.
NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
 
On November 13, 2004 a specially modified Van's Aircraft 4 set the single piston engine manned level flight altitude record of 47,530 feet.
 
The Van's 4 is one of the most popular kit built aircraft.  Over 1,180 of the aircraft have been sold to date.
 
Designed by Richard Van Grunsven, the aircraft is generally powered by engines from 150 - 180 hp.
 
The aircraft is a fun machine to fly. Take off is generally done without  flaps.  Acceleration with the 180 HP engine is quick and the 75 mph rotate speed is soon reached.  The aircraft will climb at approximately 2,220 fpm at around 115 mph.

During cruise, aileron control is very crisp and the aircraft exhibits excellent directional stability. Aileron and rudder interface in the aircraft is easily achieved for positive control.
 
Landing approaches with this Van's 4 are very comfortable in the 78 - 82 mph range. Three point landings are easily accomplished. The landing roll-out is uneventful and does not present any challenges. 
 
Modified Van's 4 aircraft hold a number of world records, including time to climb in their class (class c-1.b) and maximum altitudes.
 
The Van's 4 is the highest flying manned single piston engine aircraft in the world and the second highest flying manned piston engine aircraft in the world overall. Only the four engine B-29 has flown higher.
 
The most significant modification of the record setting aircraft involved the fitting of a 350 hp engine in the airframe.
 
In 1995, 1996 and 2000 Jon Johanson completed round the world flights in a Van's 4 modified with extra fuel tanks, electronic ignition, a metal propeller, and a padded race car seat.
 

Specifications (typical)

        Primary Function:
        Seats:
        Engine:
        Power:
        Length:
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        Weight empty:
        Max. weight:
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        Year Deployed:
recreation
two
Lycoming IO-360
180 hp
20' 4"
23' 0"
910 lbs.
1,500 lbs.
32 gals.
180 mph
215 mph
2,500 fpm
23,000 feet
725 miles
8/15/79
1980

 
 
Radio Control Airplane

RC Airplane from RT Models.
 
Radio Control Airplanes:
 
 
Pictured above is the RT Models RC Van's 4 airplane built from a kit. The radio control airplane has a wing span of 39.5". Recommended power for the RC Airplane are .15 - .25 two stroke engines.
 
For those who want a giant scale radio control airplane, check out GPI Models. Their rc Van's 4 airplane kit has an 85" wing span. Two stroke .33 to .60 ccm engines are recommended to power the radio control airplane.
 
Pictured immediately below is the Great Planes 1/4 scale RC Van's 4 airplane. Wing span of the radio control airplane is 70". From .61 - .75 two stroke engines or a .91 four stroke engine is recommended to power the the RC Airplane.
 
In the second pictured below is the Great Planes rc Van's 4 airplane in a .40 size ARF. The RC Airplane has a 55" wing span. Recommended power for the radio control airplane are .40 to .52 two stroke and .48 to .70 four stroke engines.
 
The third picture below is of the RC Van's 4 airplane park flyer built from a Stevens AeroModel kit. The radio control airplane has a wing span of 34.5" and a length of 30.5". A GWS EPS-350 is the recommended motor for the RC Airplane.
 
If you have a favorite rc Van's 4  airplane, please email us about it. We would also appreciate hearing from you about any additional RC Van's 4 airplane plans, kits, or ARF's that you may want to recommend.



Radio Control Airplane
1/4 Scale RC Airplane from Great Planes.
 
Radio Control Airplane

.40 Size RC Airplane from Great Planes.

Radio Control Airplane
RC Airplane from Stevens AeroModel.