RV-15 development costs - significant strain

[A2022]

the development costs of the RV15 certainly put a significant strain on the company. Van's was a low wing company and a high wing was something new. the good designer of the RV-14 moved on to the Ranger. not sure why he left the company, but he took his knowledge and experience with him. combine the development cost of the RV-15 and the poor management of the existing models and there you go, Chapter 11. folks that pushed Van's to go for the 15 may have contributed to the downfall of the company.

[rockwoodrv9a]

I believe they should sell the rights to the 15 to another company or group of investors. Vans could still produce the parts if they want but as a sub contractor. It could give them some needed capital to get going and cash flow for the parts produced when it is ready. To use money to develop a future plane now when people are out deposits would not be a good move for Vans.

The fastest way to get the 15 into production is to sell it.

[A2022]

I don't know if they should sell it. who would buy a half-designed aircraft? the market for that type of aircraft is huge. the problem is "do they have capability to design it"? a high wing aircraft is totally different than what they have been doing for 50 years. so, they are struggling with it. perhaps they should pull in some high wing expert designers to make it right, once they get back on their feet.