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 the 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.
recreation
two
Lycoming 10-360
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
RC RV-4
The rc RV-4 from a Great Planes kit.
In the picture above is the rc RV-4 4 kit for sale by Great Planes. Wingspan is 54 1/2" and length is 49 1/2". Construction is balsa and ply. Engines can be from .40 to .52 two cycle of .48 to .70 four cycle. All up weight is around 6 lbs..
SDB Models has a RV-4 kit for sale. It is made from balsa and ply, builds to a 39 1/2" wingspan and is 33" long. Engines can be from .15 to .25 and weight from 32 to 38 oz.
For those who want a giant scale rc airplane, check out GPI Models. They have a giant scale Van's 4 airplane kit for sale with a 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 RV-4. Wingspan is 70". From .61 - .75 two stroke engines or a .91 four stroke engine is recommended for power.
Pictured next below is the RT Models rc RV-4 airplane built from a kit. It has a wing span of 39.5". Recommended power are .15 - .25 two stroke engines.
The third picture below is of the rc RV-4 park flyer built from a Stevens AeroModel kit. It has a wing span of 34.5" and a length of 30.5". A GWS EPS-350 is the recommended motor.
If you know of a rc RV-4 for sale, not included on this page, please email us about it.
Vans Aircraft RV-4
