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Vashon Ranger R7

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Ranger R7
Vashon Ranger R7 Redwood
Role Light-sport aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Vashon Aircraft
Status In production (2021)
Produced 2017-present
Number built 103 (October 2024)

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

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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

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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 to the choice of the old-technology Continental O-200D engine, which is at least 50 lb (23 kg) 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] As of October 2024, 103 aircraft are on the FAA registry.[8]

Variants

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Ranger R7 Yellowstone

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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

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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.[9]

Ranger R7 Redwood

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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.[9]

Ranger R7 Cascade

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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.[9]

Specifications (R7)

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Data from Grady and manufacturer[1][10][11]

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)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f 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. ^ Podsada, Janice (2 September 2021). "Another airplane manufacturer relocates to Arlington airport". HeraldNet. Retrieved 3 September 2021.
  7. ^ Bertorelli, Paul (14 November 2021). "Airplane Sales Go Haywire". AVweb. Archived from the original on 15 November 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  8. ^ . 3 October 2024 https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/MakeModelResult. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  9. ^ a b c "Ranger R7 Pricing | Vashon Aircraft". vashonaircraft.com. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  10. ^ Vashon Aircraft (2018). "Ranger R7". www.vashonaircraft.com. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
  11. ^ Vashon Aircraft (2019). "Ranger-POH.5_6_19.pdf" (PDF). www.vashonaircraft.com. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
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