With the new wings completed, Van’s Aircraft has taken a major step forward in RV‑15 development. The prototype, still built around the original fuselage, took flight recently with a completely redesigned wing—its first time aloft in this configuration. Chief engineer Rian Johnson was at the controls for this critical test flight.
“Flaps Are Now Perfect”
The new wing features a cable‑actuated, floor‑mounted flap handle with a slot‑hinge design. The test flight confirmed very low forces in flap positions 1 and 2, with slightly more in positions 3 and 4—still well within comfortable limits. Johnson describes the flap system as “perfect,” and notes that the aircraft remains stable throughout flap deployment.
The new wing integrates vortex generators (VGs) into the flaps, helping reduce flow separation and further refining slow‑speed performance.
In addition to flap testing, this flight evaluated visibility over the nose with various flap settings—important for short‑field landings and back‑country operations. The results? The RV‑15 shows excellent forward visibility, even with full flaps, and predictably solid control response.
What’s Next
- A second test flight will validate these initial results.
- The tailcone will then be replaced, completing the major airframe changes.
- With these updates in place, spin testing is next on the schedule.
- All of that is leading up to an anticipated appearance at EAA AirVenture this summer.
More information: vansaircraft.com/rv-15
