The RV-12 had its first flight on November 9, 2006. Deliveries of partial kits commenced in April 2008 and, as of October 2019, 667 aircraft have been completed and flown. The architect of the line of Van's aircraft, Richard VanGrunsven, designed the RV-12 with several specific goals in mind. These include:[8] Flying qualities equal to or better than the standard set by the RV-9A 550 lb (249 kg) payload – to carry a projected load of two 190 lb (86 kg) people, 120 lb (54 kg) of fuel (20 U.S. gallons (76 L; 17 imp gal)) and 50 lb (23 kg) of baggage or cargo. 750 lb (340 kg) aircraft empty weight Cabin width of 43 in (109 cm) A low parts count, with an aim of reducing kit cost and construction time Minimal use of composites and maximum use of aluminum Maximum use of simple hand tools only for construction The LSA class limits aircraft to a maximum takeoff weight of 1,320 lb (599 kg), a maximum clean, stall speed with no flaps of 51 mph (45 knots) and a maximum level speed of 138 mph (120 knots) and the production RV-12 falls within those maximum limits. For more details of the RV-12, click here.
