The latest aeronautical creation to come from Van’s Aircraft goes by the model name RV-12, a proof-of-concept Richard VanGrunsven designed to LSA standards and incorporating features not found on prior RVs. Photo by Dave Higdon

With all the excitement surrounding new light-sport aircraft (LSA) from major manufacturers here, almost lost in the commotion is an entry from one of the industry’s most popular kit manufacturers, Van’s Aircraft.

Last year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Van’s showed the partially built fuselage of their experimental-LSA (E-LSA) RV-12 model. This year, the aircraft is flying and is on display here in the North Aircraft Exhibit Area.

At this time, the RV-12 remains a "proof of concept" model. Van’s is still conducting tests to complete their design. They hope to have the aircraft kit ready to sell late this year.

The RV-12 is a two place, side-by-side, tricycle-gear aircraft. A Rotax 912S 100-hp engine powers it; Van’s projects a maximum speed of 120 knots.

Van’s is planning to offer the kit as a complete package for the entire aircraft. They feel that offering, for example, the empennage as a starter package, would not make sense since it will be so easy to complete quickly that builders will want the rest right away.

Pricing hasn’t been officially determined, but Van’s staff says it could be in the $40,000-45,000 range for the complete aircraft with engine and instruments.