Van’s Aircraft’s first-ever high-wing model, the RV-15, has entered kit production. The company has begun manufacturing wing kits that will be available for delivery this year. The order book for the wing kits opened on the first day of EAA AirVenture yesterday.
According to Van’s, the kits consist of “pre-punched” aluminum wing skins and structural components. Pre-punching the holes for the blind rivets “greatly reduces build time and makes the RV-15 easier to construct than any Van’s RV in history,” according to the company. Van’s also said that since the wings are so easy to assemble that there is no need to create a “quickbuild” version of the kit. Introductory pricing is $19,650.
The timeline for follow-on kits includes the tail kit ($9,000)—due to go on sale in December with deliveries in March next year. Fuselage kit order taking ($20,000) is planned to begin in August next year, with deliveries to follow in October. Orders for firewall-forward kits ($13,000) will also commence in August 2026, with deliveries by year-end. And finish kits ($23,000) are to go on sale in November 2026 with deliveries to begin by year-end.
Mikael Via, Van’s Aircraft CEO, said, “Our design engineers have worked tirelessly to create an airplane that takes Van’s idea of ‘Total Performance’ into the utility category. The RV-15 has the ideal mix of very low stall speeds and docile handling that backcountry pilots love with unexpectedly high cruise speeds. The RV-15 is capable of cruising at 140 knots while also feeling comfortable on short, challenging remote airstrips.”
The freshly painted prototype RV-15 is on view at Van’s EAA AirVenture display.
A time proven strutted high wing design with versatility. Looks like a highly desirable machine.
85K for airframe, then tools and supplies needed to build, then engine, prop and instruments/avionics, paint - easy 200K.
Will there be a dedicated engine or wide engine choices?
When I was near retirement 10 years ago I built my Zenith from kits with all the above list for about 50K. I wonder who the demographic is nowadays for these kits, that you still have to build!
I
Dave, if crosswind landings at AirVenture this year are any indication, the demographic nowadays owning expensive tail draggers includes folks with more money than skill.