Van’s Aircraft Venture

Project Synopsis

The purpose of this project was two-fold: first, provide JMT Farms with a high performance conceptual RV-8 design that is efficient and cost effective; secondly, assist JMT Farms in the construction of a fully functional RV-7 aircraft. The design of the RV-8 included engine, propeller, and instrumentation selection. The main concerns regarding the selection of these components deal with cost, FAA regulations, and unknown customer preference. This design is aimed at providing the company with an aircraft that fulfills FAA regulations while producing the largest profit available. JMT Farms plans to use the design of the RV-8 for future production.

Industrial Sponsor: Nicholas Montei

Industrial Advisor: Trevor RuckleFaculty Advisor: Mei Zhuang

Scott Dosson - Jason Flanigan - Jacob Schulz - Chi-Hong Yung

JMT Background

JMT Farms is a family owned business based out of Caro, Michigan. The company is planning on producing high performance planes utilizing kit aircraft offered by Van’s Aircraft. These aircrafts will then be marketed to pilots across the country. JMT Farms has recently completed the construction of an Ultra-Light aircraft and is in the process of selling it.

RV-8 Conceptual DesignRV-7

Production The production of the RV-7 began with a partially constructed aircraft.

Design Team

Total Kit Price - $18,855.00

Kit Components

• Van’s Aircraft Inc. began in 1973 when they designed their first kit (the RV-3), since then 5,094 kits have been completed.

• The kit includes all structural components, and building plans.

• Engine, instruments, propeller, and interior must be purchased separately according to pilot preference.

Lycoming 360 Series

• Lycoming is the largest producer of experimental aircraft engines.

• The RV-8 model can fit engines of 160, 180, 200, and 260 horsepower.

• Comparing different aspects of the engines such as top speed, cruise speed, and climb rate, it was determined that the 200 HP fuel injected four cylinder engine was the best choice for the money.

• There are two categories of propellers to choose from; fixed pitch and constant speed (C/S).

• Fixed Pitch props are efficient at one operating condition, while C/S are efficient at all operating conditions and are on average 3X more expensive.

• A Sensenich fixed pitch propeller was selected for the RV-8, because of lower price and greater durability.

Sensenich Propellers

• FAA regulations categorize planes as visual flight or instrument flight.

• Planes built in the Instrument Flight Rules category can be flown in inclement weather, but require further pilot certification.

• Instruments can be purchased in digital combination units, or single analog gauges. Digital display instruments have a luxurious appeal and a slightly lower price, so they were chosen for the RV-8.

Economic Analysis

Engine Price - $37,160.00

Propeller Price - $2,090.00

Instruments/Avionics Total Price - $13,431.70

With the main structural components completed, the team spent over 400 hours in finalizing the construction of the aircraft.

The first step was to construct the canopy and tail assembly, including rudder, elevators, and vertical-horizontal stabilizers.

The next major step was to attach the motor mount, landing gear, engine, and wings.

• 2000 hour build time with a 5.00% interest rate

• Sale price based on current RV-8 selling prices

• This analysis does not include company start-up costs such as location fees and equipment purchases

• It is recommended that JMT Farms does not put the RV-8 into production, based on a low profit margin.

Build Time 3 Months 9 Days# of Employees 4Hourly Pay Rate $12.00Total Plane Price $85,228.51

Labor/Utilities Price $26,796.88Expected Sale Price $113,451.94

Profit Per Plane $1,426.55Yearly Profit $5,135.57