Vashon Ranger R7
American light-sport aircraft
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Vashon Ranger R7 is an American light-sport aircraft designed and produced by Vashon Aircraft of Woodinville, Washington. It was formally introduced at the AirVenture airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in July 2018. The aircraft is supplied as a complete ready-to-fly-aircraft.[1]
| Ranger R7 | |
|---|---|
Vashon Ranger R7 Redwood | |
| General information | |
| Type | Light-sport aircraft |
National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Vashon Aircraft |
| Status | In production (2021) |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 2017-present |
| First flight | March 31, 2015 |
Design and development
The development of the Ranger R7 started in about 2013.[1] The first prototype was built by MM Aviation as the Patriot V-150.[2] By February 2018, two prototypes were flying and four production aircraft were under construction for April 2018 delivery.[1]
The aircraft is an all-metal monocoque design and features a cantilever high-wing, two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration enclosed cabin, fixed tricycle landing gear with a castering nosewheel, and a single engine in tractor configuration. The aircraft is made from pre-painted sheet 6061-T6 aluminum to save construction time. The seats fold flat to allow sleeping in the cabin when camping.[1]
The company manufactures the majority of parts itself to reduce costs and shorten the supply chain.[1]
By January 2018, the design had been accepted by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a light-sport aircraft.[3]
Operational history
The first Patriot V-150 prototype made its maiden flight on March 31, 2015.[2] By May 2017, one example had been registered in the United States with the FAA.[4]
In a review of the design on AVweb, writer Paul Bertorelli indicated that the aircraft suffers from a low useful load of 438 lb (199 kg) due to the choice of the old-technology Continental O-200D engine, which is at least 50 lb (23 kg) heavier than other newer engines.[5]
By April 2019, 12 production aircraft had been delivered to customers, which included individuals and flight schools.[6] By August 2021, 50 aircraft had been delivered;[7] by November 2021, 66 had been delivered.[8] As of October 2024, 103 aircraft are on the FAA registry.[9]
Variants
- Patriot V-150
- At least one prototype built by MM Aviation and first flown in March 2015. A second prototype had begun construction and was registered in May 2017, but its completion is unconfirmed.[2]
- Ranger R7 Yellowstone
- Base model powered by a 100 hp (75 kW) Continental O-200-D four-stroke, air-cooled powerplant and fitted with a Dynon SkyView Touch glass cockpit avionics system.[1] No longer in production.
- Ranger R7 Glacier
- Intermediate model powered by a 100 hp (75 kW) Continental O-200-D four-stroke, air-cooled powerplant and fitted with a 10" Dynon SkyView HDX glass cockpit avionics system, additional exterior options are also available. This variant is now the base model aircraft available.[10]
- Ranger R7 Redwood
- Premium model powered by a 100 hp (75 kW) Continental O-200-D four-stroke, air-cooled powerplant and fitted with dual 10" Dynon SkyView HDX glass cockpit avionics system, additional exterior options are also available.[10]
- Ranger R7 Cascade
- IFR Capable model powered by a 100 hp (75 kW) Continental O-200-D four-stroke, air-cooled powerplant and fitted with dual 10" Dynon SkyView HDX glass cockpit avionics system as well a Garmin GTN 650Xi (GPS/MFD/COM/NAV), additional exterior options are also available.[10]
Specifications (R7)
Data from Grady and manufacturer[1][11][12]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Capacity: one passenger
- Empty weight: 875 lb (397 kg)
- Gross weight: 1,320 lb (599 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 28 U.S. gallons (110 L; 23 imp gal)
- Powerplant: 1 × Continental O-200-D four cylinder, air-cooled, four stroke aircraft engine, 100 hp (75 kW)
- Propellers: 2-bladed Catto 2B-70x48 fixed pitch, 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) diameter
Performance
- Maximum speed: 117 kn (135 mph, 217 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 114 kn (131 mph, 211 km/h) at gross weight, 2700 RPM, 7500 ft density altitude
- Stall speed: 45 kn (52 mph, 83 km/h) in cruise configuration at gross weight
- Never exceed speed: 131 kn (151 mph, 243 km/h)
- Range: 501 nmi (577 mi, 928 km) at gross weight, 2700 RPM, 7500 ft density altitude, 30 minute reserve
- Service ceiling: 12,000 ft (3,700 m)
- g limits: +4.0/-2.0
- Rate of climb: 833 ft/min (4.23 m/s) at gross weight, VY 75 KIAS, sea level
Avionics
- Dynon SkyView HDX 10" touch screen glass panel avionics system with Wi-Fi (Dual in Redwood & Cascade Variants)
- Dynon SkyView Two-Axis Autopilot with Level Button
- Dynon SkyView Mode S Transponder with 2020-Compliant ADS-B Out
- Dynon SkyView COM Radio with Two-Place Intercom
- Garmin GTN 650Xi (Cascade Variant Only)