Vashon Ranger R7 Explained

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]

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, 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.[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 4380NaN0 due to the choice of the old-technology Continental O-200D engine, which is at least 500NaN0 heavier than other newer engines.[4]

By April 2019, 12 production aircraft had been delivered to customers, which included individuals and flight schools.[5] By August 2021, 50 aircraft had been delivered;[6] by November 2021, 66 had been delivered.[7]

Variants

Ranger R7 Yellowstone

Base model powered by a 1000NaN0 Continental O-200-D four-stroke, air-cooled powerplant and fitted with a Dynon SkyView Touch glass cockpit avionics system. No longer in production.

Ranger R7 Glacier

Intermediate model powered by a 1000NaN0 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.[8]

Ranger R7 Redwood

Premium model powered by a 1000NaN0 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.

Ranger R7 Cascade

IFR Capable model powered by a 1000NaN0 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.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Vashon Aircraft Launches Ranger R7. 2 March 2018. Grady. Mary. AVweb. 28 February 2018.
  2. Web site: SLSA Make/Model Directory. 2 March 2018. Federal Aviation Administration. 11 January 2018.
  3. Web site: Make / Model Inquiry Results. 2 March 2018. Federal Aviation Administration. 2 March 2018.
  4. Web site: Is the Vashon Ranger The New 150?. 7 May 2018. Bertorelli. Paul. AVweb. 6 May 2018 .
  5. Web site: Vashon Delivers 12 Rangers. 5 April 2019. Niles . Russ . AVweb. 4 April 2019.
  6. Web site: Another airplane manufacturer relocates to Arlington airport. 3 September 2021. Podsada . Janice . HeraldNet. 2 September 2021.
  7. Web site: Airplane Sales Go Haywire. 15 November 2021. Bertorelli. Paul. AVweb. 14 November 2021 . https://archive.today/20211115182328/https://www.avweb.com/insider/airplane-sales-go-haywire/?MailingID=770. 15 November 2021. live.
  8. Web site: Ranger R7 Pricing Vashon Aircraft. vashonaircraft.com. 2020-03-27.