RV-10

The RV-10: The Four-Seat Performer That Redefines Homebuilt Aircraft

Among homebuilt aircraft, few names inspire as much excitement and loyalty as the Van’s RV series. And at the top of the lineup, the RV-10 stands out as the ultimate combination of speed, comfort, and utility. Designed for builders who want the performance of an RV with the ability to take family or friends along for the ride, the RV-10 has become one of the most popular four-seat kit aircraft in the world.

At James Aircraft, we know the RV-10 inside and out. Our cowling systems, plenums, and induction kits are designed to unlock even more performance from this already exceptional machine. But before we get into upgrades, let’s explore why the RV-10 is such a standout in the first place.

Room for Four Without Compromise

Unlike many homebuilt designs that try to stretch two-seat plans into four, the RV-10 was built from the ground up as a four-seat aircraft. That makes a huge difference. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, offering enough headroom and legroom to keep passengers happy on long cross-country flights. With wide-opening doors and ergonomic seating, the RV-10 feels less like a “homebuilt” and more like a modern certified touring aircraft — only faster and more affordable.

Speed Meets Efficiency

The RV-10 is powered by six-cylinder engines such as the Lycoming IO-540, delivering impressive horsepower while maintaining efficiency. Typical cruise speeds are in the 170–190 knot range, depending on build choices and conditions. Yet even at those speeds, fuel burn is often in the 12–14 gallon per hour range, making the RV-10 remarkably efficient for a four-seat aircraft with real load-carrying capacity.

Builders love that the RV-10 isn’t just a “Sunday flyer” — it’s a true cross-country traveler. With a range of more than 1,000 nautical miles, you can go places fast, carry family or friends, and still arrive with fuel reserves.

Handling That Inspires Confidence

One of the hallmarks of the RV family is handling, and the RV-10 is no exception. Despite being a larger and heavier aircraft than its two-seat siblings, it retains the responsive, balanced feel that makes RVs so enjoyable to fly. The controls are crisp without being twitchy, giving both new builders and experienced pilots confidence in the cockpit.

On the ground, its tricycle gear configuration makes taxiing and landings straightforward. In the air, it feels stable, predictable, and smooth — a perfect blend for pilots who want performance without sacrificing comfort or ease of use.

Load-Carrying Muscle

The RV-10 was designed with real-world missions in mind. Its useful load of over 1,000 pounds means you can carry four adults, baggage, and full fuel — a rare feat for many general aviation aircraft in this class. That makes it ideal for family trips, business travel, or long adventure flights where you don’t want to leave anything (or anyone) behind.

Why Builders Choose the RV-10

For many, the RV-10 represents the best of both worlds: certified-aircraft utility with kit-aircraft performance and affordability. Builders enjoy:

• Proven reliability backed by Van’s Aircraft’s decades of experience.

• Strong resale value — RV-10s consistently hold their worth thanks to demand.

• Flexibility in avionics, interiors, and finishing options.

• A strong builder community with thousands of experienced pilots and resources.

It’s no wonder the RV-10 has become the go-to four-seat experimental for serious pilots.

How James Aircraft Makes the RV-10 Even Better

While the RV-10 is outstanding right out of the box, smart builders know that small changes in aerodynamics and airflow can yield big improvements. That’s where James Aircraft systems come in.

• Cowlings: Our RV-10 cowlings are engineered for clean aerodynamics, reducing drag and giving your aircraft a smoother, faster profile.

• Plenums: By enclosing and directing airflow across the cylinders, our plenum systems improve cooling efficiency and reduce cooling drag — leading to lower cylinder head temps and longer engine life.

• Induction Kits: A matched induction system ensures your engine gets denser, more efficient airflow, improving combustion and power output.

Together, these upgrades can deliver higher cruise speeds, improved climb performance, and greater fuel efficiency — results that RV-10 builders and pilots consistently report after installing James Aircraft components.

The Complete Travel Machine

With the RV-10, you’re not just building an aircraft — you’re creating a true travel machine that rivals certified four-seaters costing hundreds of thousands of dollars more. Add James Aircraft’s performance-proven components, and you take that machine to the next level: faster, cooler, stronger, and more efficient.

Whether you’re flying coast-to-coast, hopping state lines for business, or taking the family on a weekend adventure, the RV-10 delivers — and James Aircraft makes sure you get every ounce of performance from it.

James Aircraft: Engineered to Unlock the Full Potential of Your RV-10.