Van'S Aircraft Rv-4

Single Piston

The Van's RV-4 is a tandem two-seat homebuilt aircraft that established Van's Aircraft as the dominant force in kit aviation when it debuted in 1979. Designed by Richard VanGrunsven, the RV-4 was the first Van's model to achieve widespread success, combining aerobatic capability with cross-country efficiency in a package that amateur builders could complete in their garages. Its all-metal construction, proven Lycoming engine installations (typically 150-180 hp), and docile handling made it the template for the entire RV series that followed. The type pioneered the concept of a "serious" homebuilt: an aircraft that could outperform many certified designs while remaining accessible to first-time builders. With a cruise speed around 180 knots and a roll rate exceeding 120 degrees per second, the RV-4 delivered fighter-like agility at a fraction of the cost. Though production plans ceased in 2003 when Van's shifted focus to the side-by-side RV-6 and later models, the RV-4 remains highly regarded in the experimental aircraft community for its honest aerobatic manners and efficient cross-country performance. Its tandem seating and narrow fuselage give it a distinctly military aesthetic that appeals to builders seeking a sportier cockpit experience than the RV-6's side-by-side configuration offers. SkyMeter has tracked 506 flights across 173 airframes and 153 operators, with SUN COUNTRY AIRLINES the largest observed operator.