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Plans built RV-3

flyboykelly

Well Known Member
Just using my imagination right now. Is there a set of plans still available for the RV-3 that can be used to scratch build the aircraft? Were the original plans used for scratch building?
 
Yes and no. The current -3B plans do not give information on the spar cap dimensions. It does show the fastener locations and defines the material and stock size for them, though, but the steps are not described. I think most of the rest of the plane is there, including the rib layout. Still, even that's spotty, since it doesn't show the flanges on the holes.

You can get the plans thumb drive and take a look, but it might be a revision or two out of date.

Dave
 
Thanks! I'd mainly need the patterns to built the parts. Do you know if the original RV-3 had plans available for someone to scratch build the aircraft?
 
Scratch Building RV3

I'll chime in and add a bit to what Dave had to say - w/o the callouts for the spar caps, I don't really know how you could finish the spars (spec. help from Van's?)

Also, unless you are going to use a motor with a "conical" mount instead of a "Dynafocal" - the Engine/Landing Gear Mount, Drwg. #29, shows a "Concept Drawing Only" for the Dynafocal mount, in addition to the conical version.

All rib/bulkhead form specs. are there to make form blocks from and press your own.

I knew a builder back in the early '80's that "scratch" built a -4 from similar plans (but with original spar drawing), and he was able to do it. He was a skilled builder and had the resources of John Harmon and the "Bakersfield Bunch" behind him - very helpful indeed!

If you could get some clarification from Van's on the spar/engine mount specs. you could probably do it.

YMMV - and probably will.

HFS
 
All good thoughts. My thought process is a super simple, lightweight aircraft. Continental O-200 powered, no electrical system. Open cockpit. The spar would be a challenge, but not impossible. Engine mount wouldn’t be too hard to make as well. Thanks for all of the input.
 
All good thoughts. My thought process is a super simple, lightweight aircraft. Continental O-200 powered, no electrical system. Open cockpit. The spar would be a challenge, but not impossible. Engine mount wouldn’t be too hard to make as well. Thanks for all of the input.

Shoot…I was thinking a radial powered RV-3 was in the offing….:rolleyes:
 
If you're not looking to do heavy aerobatics and can do with utility (+4/-1.5G) there's no reason you couldn't build original spar and wings.

With little basis in fact, I suspect the RV-3B wings are heavier than the original RV-3 wings. I noticed that the quick-built wings on my RV-3B do not have lightening holes in the spar webs.

Finn
 
a builder back in the early '80's that "scratch" built a -4

Same here… a Pilatus Aircraft sheetmetal specialist scratch built one too. Not sure about the spars though, might have gone the Phlogiston way.
The -4 ain’t finished yet (that is what we call slow built ;)) the 2nd builder being on VAF might chime in…
 
The RV3 kits are very inexpensive. Not sure how much money you would save doing a scratch build vice modifying the kit to your needs. If on the other hand it’s about building the entire plane for pride of ownership the above would not apply.
 
Scratch built RV-4

I am the one with the very slow built RV-4, Dan was referring to ;)

The former builder that started the RV-4 from scratch was sheetmetal specialist at F+W (today RUAG) and changed to the quality department of the same company later. He stopped flying and so a friend and myself took over the beautifully built project. He did build already most of the main structure.

As I can see on the RV-4 plans you should find all the necessary data to build the spar.
 
That's Not Quite Right, Unless ...

You have the original Spar Drwg. #5, drawn on 1-10-84 and valid until superseded by Spar & Access Plates Drwg. #5, drawn on 7-15-98, with R1 on 7-99.

The later drawing does not have a call out for the cap strips - they are milled bars as opposed to laminated strips of the earlier design.

HFS
RV4 S/N 1136
Harmon Rocket II S/N002
RV3 S/N 11226 - Building
 
The RV3 kits are very inexpensive....

Got to wondering about this so I checked. As far as I could determine, these kit prices are consistent: taildragger, no options.

-3B -- $24,325

-4 -- $25,000

-7 -- $27970

-8 -- $27,750

-9 -- $27,750

So compared to the RV-8 or RV-9, the RV-3B would be about 12% cheaper. You can decide for yourself if the more difficult construction experience or the worse quality of the kit makes the price seem "very inexpensive."

Dave
RV-3B, just connected the rudder cables to the rudder for the first time.
 
Thatcher CX4

OP is looking for a scratch built plane that is simple, no canopy, O-200, no electrics.
Thatcher CX4 is like a poor mans RV3 and can be completed for under $20K apparently. It is plans built. Worth considering?
 
all good thoughts. Paul, Yes a radial engine RV-3 would be awesome. It would look like a little Boeing P-26 Peashooter. This is a distant thought of a project. I would be doing the scratch building part of the project purely for the enjoyment of it. I love fabrication. It doesn't make much sense for most people, but I love working on them as much as flying them.
 
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