The story
The RV-4 is the tandem two-seat aerobatic homebuilt that made Van's Aircraft famous. Dick VanGrunsven designed it in the 1970s as a two-seat development of his single-seat RV-3, and with a cruise around 200 mph and crisp aerobatic handling it proved amateur-built planes could outperform factory aircraft.
Australian pilot Jon Johanson flew an RV-4 around the world — twice.
Quick answers
How do you identify a RV-4?
Tandem seating (one behind the other) under a bubble canopy. Low wing, tailwheel. Fully aerobatic. The classic Van's design.
What does a RV-4 sound like?
Lycoming four-cylinder with attitude — aerobatic exhaust note.
How fast is the RV-4?
Top speed is 185 kts.
How many passengers does the RV-4 carry?
Up to 1. A typical layout is 1 pilot + 1 passenger (tandem).
How far can the RV-4 fly?
Range is about 513 nmi.
How big is the RV-4?
It is 20 ft 4 in long and 23 ft 0 in across the wings.
When did the RV-4 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1979.
How many RV-4s have been built?
1,400+ built.
How rare is a RV-4 in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first RV-4 catch is worth 25 points.
