TYPE: Side-by-side kitbuilt.

PROGRAMME: Prototype RV-9A (N96VA) first flown late 1997; was hybrid proof-of-concept aircraft using unique RV-6T fuselage plus new wings; had flown more than 200 hours when lost in accident 2 April 2000; second prototype, and first 'true' RV-9A (N129RV), flown 15 June 2000. Empennage kits became available in late 1999, followed by wing and fuselage/finishing kits in mid-2000 and quick-build kits in late 2000; first customer-built aircraft flown 17 June 2001. RV-9 prototype (N179RV) first flown 4 March 2002.

CURRENT VERSIONS: RV-9: Tailwheel version.
RV-9A: Tricycle version.

CUSTOMERS: 400 kits sold by April 2001; 55 flying by 9 October 2003.

COSTS: Basic kit RV-9 US$16,425, RV-9A US$17,100; quick-build RV-9 US$24,350, RV-9A US$25,025 (2003).

DESIGN FEATURES: Based upon, and similar in appearance to, RV-6/6A, but with redesigned wing (Roncz aerofoil and sheared wingtips) and enlarged, constant-chord horizontal tail surfaces.

FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual. Horn-balanced rudder. Slotted electric flaps extend approximately two-thirds of wing span, compared with one-half on other RV designs.

LANDING GEAR: Fixed tricycle type on RV-9A; tailwheel on RV-9. Brakes.

POWER PLANT: First prototype flown with 88.0 kW (118 hp) Textron Lycoming O-235-L2C flat-four driving two-blade Sensenich 72 x 66 fixed-pitch metal propeller. Second prototype has 119 kW (160 hp) Textron Lycoming O-320-D3G driving three-blade MT propeller. Engines between 80.5 and 119 kW (108 and 160 hp) can be fitted. Fuel capacity 136 litres (36.0 US gallons; 30.0 Imp gallons) in two wing tanks. Wilksch reportedly developing conversion during 2002, to enable use of its 90 kW (120 hp) WAM-120 diesel engine.

ACCOMMODATION: Pilot and passenger side by side under sliding canopy. Dual controls.