Vashon Ranger R7

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 complete ready-to-fly-aircraft.[1]

Ranger R7
Role Light-sport aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Vashon Aircraft
Status In production (2018)
Produced 2017-present
Number built 14 (two prototypes, plus 12 production aircraft, April 2019)
Unit cost
US$99,000 (assembled, 2019)

Design and development

The development of the Ranger R7 started in about 2013. 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, a two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration enclosed cabin, accessed by doors, 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.[2]

Operational history

By May 2017, one example had been registered in the United States with the FAA.[3]

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 the choice of the old-technology Continental O-200D engine, which is 50 lb (23 kg) or more heavier than other newer engines.[4]

By April 2019, 12 production aircraft had been delivered to customers, who included individuals and flight schools.[5]

Variants

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 glass cockpit avionics system.[1]

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.[6]

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.[6]

Specifications (R7)

Data from Grady and manufacturer[1][7]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Empty weight: 875 lb (397 kg)
  • Gross weight: 1,320 lb (599 kg)
  • 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

  • Cruise speed: 117 kn (135 mph, 217 km/h)
  • Range: 430 nmi (490 mi, 800 km)

Avionics

  • Dynon SkyView Touch or HDX glass panel avionics system

References
  1. Grady, Mary (28 February 2018). "Vashon Aircraft Launches Ranger R7". AVweb. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
  2. Federal Aviation Administration (11 January 2018). "SLSA Make/Model Directory". Retrieved 2 March 2018.
  3. Federal Aviation Administration (2 March 2018). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved 2 March 2018.
  4. Bertorelli, Paul (6 May 2018). "Is the Vashon Ranger The New 150?". AVweb. Retrieved 7 May 2018.
  5. Niles, Russ (4 April 2019). "Vashon Delivers 12 Rangers". AVweb. Retrieved 5 April 2019.
  6. "Ranger R7 Pricing | Vashon Aircraft". vashonaircraft.com. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  7. Vashon Aircraft (2018). "Ranger R7". www.vashonaircraft.com. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
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