---------------------------------------------------------- RV4-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Fri 10/15/04: 2 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 09:39 AM - Rivets on RVs (Alfredo Santoro) 2. 10:05 AM - Re: Rivets on RVs (rob ray) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 09:39:04 AM PST US From: "Alfredo Santoro" Subject: RV4-List: Rivets on RVs --> RV4-List message posted by: "Alfredo Santoro" Hello, everybody. I was thinking that some of you would sure be able to clarify me something that I was told by an RV 6 builder that I met. I asked him suggestions about building an RV 4, which is what I am aiming to do as soon as possible. (Well, I am still at the decision phase about what kit to purchase). He was busy, during a home-builder meeting which I was attending as a tourist or little more, so he explained me the thing rather quickly and I am not sure I understood it well. Basically, when he heard me talking about an RV 4 (which I love and had enjoyed a chance to fly), he suggested me to prefer an RV 8, instead, because of the different kind of rivets Van's adopted on it. He said that the RV 8 type of riveting is completely different and makes the structure stronger, expecially in aerobatics. Is anybody of you able to explain me the differences among the two, and confirm me this thesis? Thank you very much. Alfredo Santoro Rome, Italy. ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 10:05:23 AM PST US From: rob ray Subject: Re: RV4-List: Rivets on RVs --> RV4-List message posted by: rob ray Hi Alfredo, I don't know what he was smoking, but it must have been good...ha! The RV8 has improvements over the 4 in 3 areas, cockpit room, pre-punched holes, thicker tail skins...period! As far as aerobatics,aesthetics, athletics..etc go, the RV4 is superior, having personally extensively flown aerobatics in both airplanes. The RV4 is smaller, lighter and slightly more nimble in pitch. The wings internally are completely different, the RV8 being along the lines of the "new RV's" with the one piece spar billet. The RV4/6 wing, back during RV6 certification in 1985 was subjected to sandbag piling for intergrity for the FAA. At 9G's (150%) design load, everybody left the room happy with no deformation or rivets popped. After they were gone, they(Van's) continued to pile sandbags (for grins) to see where or if it would actually fail. Where it finally broke was a well kept secret, but one of the witnesses told me it was in excess of 11 G's and even then it didn't break. The RV8 was only tested to failure at 9G's. For my money, a layered spar is better for overall strength. Simply use .020 skins on the tail surfaces, all else stock, you'll love the RV4.Yes it is more work to build, but worth it. I don't know about you, but after 1400 hours, I still haven't gotten tired of my 150HP RV4, and I get to fly F16's every now and again. Good Luck! Rob Ray Alfredo Santoro wrote: --> RV4-List message posted by: "Alfredo Santoro" Hello, everybody. I was thinking that some of you would sure be able to clarify me something that I was told by an RV 6 builder that I met. I asked him suggestions about building an RV 4, which is what I am aiming to do as soon as possible. (Well, I am still at the decision phase about what kit to purchase). He was busy, during a home-builder meeting which I was attending as a tourist or little more, so he explained me the thing rather quickly and I am not sure I understood it well. Basically, when he heard me talking about an RV 4 (which I love and had enjoyed a chance to fly), he suggested me to prefer an RV 8, instead, because of the different kind of rivets Van's adopted on it. He said that the RV 8 type of riveting is completely different and makes the structure stronger, expecially in aerobatics. Is anybody of you able to explain me the differences among the two, and confirm me this thesis? Thank you very much. Alfredo Santoro Rome, Italy. ---------------------------------