SMOOTH AND FAST
The narrow design and small size mean aerodynamic efficiency. With top speeds well over 200 miles per hour, you will get there - smooth and fast.
SHORT FIELD OPS
Grass strips and short runways? Sure. It's not too uncommon for a Super Cub pilot to look over and see an RV-4 landing. Many other airplanes can't do that, but RV's can.
AEROBATICS
The RV-4 has been flown in aerobatic competitions for years. It makes a great platform for weekend aerobatics, too. But please, get proper instruction!
Overview
The all-around capabilities of the RV-4 are impressive. Fast, agile and fun, pilots of the RV-4 find it’s glove-like fit to feel like a natural extension of their bodies. The RV-4 has taken part in a variety of performance competitions over the years, from the National Championship Air Races to a variety of aerobatic competitions. In the photo on the right, Axel Alvarez pilots his fast RV-4 around the pylons at the air races in Reno. Several RV-4 pilots have also successfully competed in organized aerobatic competitions, scoring well against specialty aerobatic airplanes.
The RV-4 turns 4o years old in 2019! While many of our newer kits are purchased in greater numbers these days, the RV-4 remains a venerable and iconic part of the RV family of aircraft. You can, of course, still order a kit (although lead times for delivery may be extended on this model due to limited production schedules) and people still finish and fly their RV-4s on a regular basis.
Two-place. Tandem. With the "little wheel" on the tail end. High-performance and well-balanced, the RV-4 is a fun machine.