RV-8

The Van’s RV‑8 is a two‑seat, low‑wing sport aircraft that entered production in the early 1990s as the evolution of the popular RV‑4. Designed by Richard VanGrunsven, the RV‑8 was conceived to provide higher performance, greater payload and a more comfortable cockpit while retaining the classic kit‑builder ethos that made Van’s aircraft a household name among amateur constructors. First flown in 1993, the model quickly gained a reputation for its sleek, all‑metal airframe, responsive handling and impressive power‑to‑weight ratio, especially when equipped with the Lycoming IO‑360 or the larger IO‑540 engine. Key features include a semi‑monocoque aluminum structure, flaps that enhance short‑field capability, a roomy side‑by‑side cockpit with large side windows, and a high‑lift wing design with a 20‑foot span. The aircraft’s kit is sold worldwide, with thousands completed and flying in clubs, airshows and cross‑country races. Its significance lies in bridging the gap between light sport planes and high‑performance racer‑type aircraft, inspiring a generation of pilots to build and fly their own high‑performance machines, and reinforcing Van’s legacy as a leader in the home‑built aviation market. Today, the RV‑8 remains a popular choice for aerobatic pilots, thanks to its strong structural design and agile maneuverability.

Van's Aircraft

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Design & Classification