ET wrote:

Jim Carriere wrote in news:194f$433d7660
:


John T. wrote:

Gee...that looks JUST like the zenair 601XL quick build kit...

The same thought crossed my mind, not only for superficial things
like the layout and engine but details like choice of pulled rivets.

Similar technology + similar problems = similar solutions. Sort of a
recurring theme in aviation.


Yup, the RV-12 will look like a cross between the 601 & a Sonex... With
good reason grin. I wonder about the cg issues with the rear mounted
fuel tank though (although obviously I trust Van to work that out...)

It can be done. Katanas have a rear gas tank, and IIRC you can spin
them in the utility category. I'm talking about the 912 powered
version (lightweight engine doesn't help aft cg).

I think the 601 and Sonex both have an advantage in simplicity of
construction, although I bet that Vans is putting in a lot of
development work in that area before the RV-12 is made available. I
mean that in the sense that Vans' repuatation and track record to
date indicate that the RV-12 won't be a half-hearted design.

Tangent... it'd be great if the RV-12 could be flown with the canopy
open