RV-1 Plans?

[prasmussen]

Early in the development of the RV line, there was a modified Stitts Playboy with a cantilever, all aluminum wing. I've seen pictures and know that somewhere there are plans. Vans aircraft has confirmed a set or two but, understandably, won't supply them for liability reasons. Can you help? I have a Playboy project on the gear and understand the redesigned wing will make it fly a lot better. Thanks.

[FlyingRon]

I guess anything would be an improvement to the Playboy's handling characturistics...that's one twitchy beast.
Have you talked to the RV1.org guys?

[Eric Witherspoon]

That's rv-1.org
Lots of info there, though I wouldn't be surprised if no plans exist.

[Chad Jensen]

The Friends of the RV-1 folks do have a set of wing plans, but they are not available. Pics are here though...

https://picasaweb.google.com/114726311349211602658/RV1WingDrawingsConstructionPhotos

[prasmussen]

Hi Ron,

Is that twitchy as in Pitts or unstable, ground loop twitchy? Before I started, I was told the Playboy was a pilot's airplane so I expect to have to pay attention. Hope I'm not building an airplane I can't fly. Thanks for your comment. P.

[prasmussen]

Thanks Chad. I had no idea a group was restoring and going to tour Van's RV-1 down the east coast. Lots of great pictures.

[FlyingRon]

Very unstable at low speeds from a friend who used to have one. Takeoffs required a lot of care. I guess if you want things to be acrobatic you got to give some of that up but it seemed to be excessive.

[Jim Hann]

My advice, keep asking around. You never know what might turn up in somebody's hangar!