Vans RV-4 for Sale — Buy or Sell a High-Performance Tandem Two-Seat Homebuilt
The Vans RV-4 is one of the most celebrated homebuilt aircraft ever designed — a tandem two-seat, low-wing monoplane that combines breathtaking performance with exceptional handling and genuine aerobatic capability. Introduced in 1979 as the successor to the single-seat RV-3, the RV-4 brought the legendary Van's Aircraft DNA into a practical two-seat format without sacrificing a single knot of speed or a single degree of roll rate. With a top speed exceeding 200 mph and a roll rate approaching 180 degrees per second, the RV-4 outperforms most factory-built aircraft in its class and has won more than its share of air races, aerobatic competitions, and speed records at fly-ins across the world. Airplane Trade connects buyers and sellers of Vans RV-4 aircraft internationally, offering a curated marketplace for one of the greatest homebuilt designs ever conceived.
History and Development
Richard VanGrunsven developed the RV-4 in response to demand from RV-3 builders for a two-seat variant that retained the original's exceptional performance. The challenge was considerable: adding a second seat, additional structure, and more fuel while keeping weight low enough to maintain the power-to-weight ratio that made the RV-3 so extraordinary. Van's solution was elegant — a tandem seating arrangement that kept the fuselage narrow and aerodynamically clean, an enlarged but still highly efficient wing derived from the RV-3, and careful attention to every gram of structural weight.
The result was an aircraft that not only met but exceeded expectations. The RV-4 quickly established a reputation as one of the fastest kit aircraft available, regularly turning in speeds that embarrassed certified aircraft with far larger engines. It became a staple of the Reno Air Races and other cross-country speed events, and it remains today one of the most competitive aircraft in its class. The RV-4 also served as a critical stepping stone in Van's Aircraft history — the lessons learned in its design directly informed every subsequent RV model, from the RV-6 to the RV-14.
Performance That Defines a Category
The RV-4's performance figures with the standard Lycoming O-320 or O-360 engine are exceptional:
- Top speed — 200 to 215 mph (174 to 187 knots) depending on engine and propeller
- Cruise speed — 180 to 195 mph at 75% power
- Fuel burn — 8 to 10 gallons per hour at cruise
- Roll rate — approximately 170 to 180 degrees per second
- Rate of climb — 1,800 to 2,000+ feet per minute with O-360
- Takeoff roll — under 700 feet at gross weight
- Stall speed — approximately 55 mph clean
- Range — 600 to 800 miles depending on power setting
These numbers place the RV-4 in the same performance bracket as turbocharged certified aircraft costing many times more — and the aerobatic envelope adds a dimension of capability that no standard certified touring aircraft can match. The RV-4 is approved for full aerobatics including loops, rolls, hammerheads, spins, and inverted flight when equipped with an appropriate inverted oil system.
Cockpit and Flying Qualities
The tandem cockpit places the pilot in front and the passenger behind, with the rear occupant enjoying slightly elevated seating for improved forward visibility. Both positions provide good visibility and comfortable ergonomics for pilots of average build, though the RV-4 cockpit is narrower than the later side-by-side RV models — a characteristic of its performance-optimized design. Controls are hydraulically light and harmonious, with the crisp, immediate response that RV pilots describe as making the aircraft feel like an extension of their body rather than a machine they are operating.
The RV-4 is predominantly a VFR aircraft in factory trim, though many examples have been fitted with basic IFR avionics for cross-country utility. Glass panel installations using Dynon SkyView or Garmin G3X are common in recent years, dramatically improving situational awareness while adding minimal weight.
Buying a Used RV-4
The RV-4 has been out of kit production for some years, making the used market the only source for buyers today. Quality examples in excellent condition hold their value well, and a well-documented RV-4 with a good engine and modern avionics represents outstanding value against comparable certified aircraft. Key evaluation criteria include build log completeness, engine time and condition, fabric or metal control surface condition, landing gear attachment integrity, and overall airframe hours. Commission a pre-buy inspection from an A&P familiar with experimental aircraft before completing any transaction.
Find Your Vans RV-4 on Airplane Trade
Browse current RV-4 listings on Airplane Trade, connect directly with sellers, and find the aircraft that matches your performance expectations and budget. Whether you want a weekend aerobat, a cross-country speed machine, or a piece of homebuilt aviation history, the RV-4 delivers on every dimension. Start your search today.