Preview

MSFS Van's RV-7

This freeware release brings a refined rendition of Van's RV-7 into the new Microsoft Flight Simulator, featuring a meticulously overhauled 3D model, an advanced flight model, and expanded avionics options. It includes multiple variants, such as a glass cockpit taildragger and a new TDS GTN-equip...

5 star rating 5/5 (1) 319 downloads Flight Simulator 2024 CompatibleFlight Simulator 2020 Not compatible
  • Type:Complete with Base Model
  • File: vans-rv7-fs2024.zip
  • Size:630.93 MB
  • Scan: Clean (4d) Verified clean
  • Access:Freeware
  • Content:Everyone
Description 1 comments
Adam McEnroe

Expert Overview

The MSFS Van’s RV-7 mod is a freeware release that provides a highly detailed recreation of Van’s popular kitplane for flight simulator enthusiasts. It features an overhauled 3D model with refined geometry, improved aerodynamics for agile handling, and multiple variants that showcase both glass cockpit and traditional taildragger configurations. Avionics options include dual G3X screens, a GNS 530, and a TDS GTN-equipped edition, allowing virtual pilots to explore modern navigation systems.

Having tested it extensively in my decades of flight sim work, I can confirm that the care put into details like accurate weight balance, upgraded prop arrangements, and subtle lighting tweaks truly elevates the overall simulator experience. The package also includes a paint kit for personal liveries, while future enhancements promise ongoing refinements and further customization possibilities. In my opinion, this mod captures the spirit of the real RV-7 exceptionally well and is a must-try addition to any kitplane fan’s virtual hangar.

This mod was installed, tested and reviewed by Adam McEnroe for Fly Away Simulation. Adam is an FS mod expert. Read his bio here.

This freeware release brings a refined rendition of Van's RV-7 into the new Microsoft Flight Simulator, featuring a meticulously overhauled 3D model, an advanced flight model, and expanded avionics options. It includes multiple variants, such as a glass cockpit taildragger and a new TDS GTN-equipped edition. The package aims to replicate the iconic RV-7 kit aircraft, known among experimental aviation enthusiasts for its nimble handling, efficient aerodynamics, and excellent cross-country capacity.

The Van's RV-7 on runway displayed in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 after installing the mod.Enhanced Geometry and Aerodynamics

The revamped 3D structure boasts improved surface detailing and accurate proportions, capturing the familiar silhouette of Van’s RV-7. Designers have focused on subtle elements like the updated windshield, refined UV mapping, and revised ambient occlusion, all intended to elevate the visual fidelity. Meanwhile, the flight model has been fine-tuned to yield a realistic balance between lift, drag, and roll authority, mirroring the actual aircraft’s agile behavior in a variety of flight regimes.

Upgraded Variants

This version introduces several notable variants, including a glass cockpit taildragger and a sliding canopy edition (currently in progress). A 3-blade prop arrangement delivers enhanced thrust and modifies the overall engine response. The developer, deejing, also plans further configurations and liveries to broaden the collection. Users may expect better aerodynamic tuning in areas like stall characteristics and weight balance, offering a more authentic experience.

Avionics and Systems

Inside the cockpit, the mod features dual G3X screens, a GNS 530, and an additional option for compatible TDS GTN avionics. Although the TDS GTN setup is still undergoing tweaks, the variant is included for those looking to explore new navigation technologies. Alongside these integrations, other system improvements address prior battery issues, lighting elements, and minor animation inconsistencies.

Paint Kit Availability

To encourage custom liveries, a paint kit is bundled within the download package. Creators can edit the template files and define unique color variants, ensuring personalized textures for the RV-7. Remember to update references accordingly when generating fresh liveries, including the entries in associated configuration files.

Key Refinements in Version 1.0.1

  • Support for TDS GTN-equipped variant
  • Overhauled windshield design
  • Rectified animations and lighting issues
  • Shifted to Modular SimObject architecture

Be aware that you must remove any prior versions (1.0.0 or 1.0.01) before installing this latest update; otherwise, compatibility conflicts may arise.

Installation Instructions

  1. Unzip the downloaded archive.
  2. Locate the folder labeled “deejing-aircraft-rv7”.
  3. Place that folder into the Community folder of Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Development and Credits

This package has been expertly brought to life by deejing, who has generously shared it as freeware on Fly Away Simulation. The collaboration aims to provide an accurate, reliable depiction of the Van’s RV-7 for sim pilots who crave a highly detailed and nuanced kitplane in their virtual hangar.

Images & Screenshots

50 total
A yellow low-wing single-engine aircraft is viewed from above while flying over a rugged, rocky canyon landscape with dry streambeds.A red low-wing sport aircraft with a bubble canopy flies above a vast canyon landscape featuring layered rock formations and deep ravines.A small blue and gold single-engine aircraft with registration ASXGS is parked on an asphalt runway near a forested area.A red and black low-wing propeller aircraft flies above a vast canyon landscape with layered rock formations and winding riverbeds.A red and black low-wing aircraft with a single propeller flies above a vast canyon landscape under a clear blue sky.A red and silver low-wing aircraft flies above a vast canyon landscape with layered rock formations and dense forested areas.A small white single-engine aircraft flies above a sprawling cityscape with highways, green parks, and desert terrain visible below.A yellow and black single-engine propeller aircraft is parked on a cracked runway with trees and grass visible in the background.A white low-wing light aircraft flies above a sprawling cityscape with highways, green parks, and a large body of water visible below.A red and silver low-wing aircraft flies above a deep canyon with layered rock formations and expansive forested terrain.A red and white single-engine aircraft flies above a coastline with a city, airport runways, and cloudy skies in the background.A small blue single-engine aircraft is positioned on a runway with forested trees and dry grass visible in the background.A cockpit view shows the left wing of a small aircraft beside a runway, with forested terrain and clear blue sky in the background.A red and gold single-engine propeller aircraft is parked on a runway with forest and clear blue sky in the background.A rear cockpit view shows the word "EXPERIMENTAL" on the aircraft’s metal bulkhead with a runway and forest in the background.A light aircraft cockpit features dual control sticks, two glass avionics displays, analog gauges, and a red seat cushion on the right.A cockpit view shows the left wingtip of a small aircraft near a runway edge, with dense pine trees in the background.A pilot in a white uniform with four stripes sits in a cockpit beside dual glass displays and engine controls, parked near a forested runway.A small white single-engine aircraft is parked near the threshold markings of a runway surrounded by grass and dense trees.A yellow low-wing aircraft with registration ASXGS flies above a deep canyon with layered rock formations and overcast skies.A light aircraft cockpit features dual glass displays, analog gauges, and a view of a runway bordered by trees under clear skies.Two fabric seats with red inserts and dual control sticks are positioned below a panel with digital avionics displays and engine instruments.A blue and silver single-engine taildragger aircraft with registration ASXGS sits on a runway near a forested area under clear skies.A small white single-engine aircraft flies above a modern city skyline with scattered clouds and a bright sun overhead.A pilot wearing sunglasses sits inside a yellow single-engine aircraft on a paved runway with trees lining the background.A cockpit view from a light aircraft shows the left wing and part of the seat, with a cityscape far below through the canopy.A view from a cockpit shows a metal interior panel and a wing, with arid terrain and scattered buildings visible below.A red and silver single-engine taildragger aircraft with registration ASXGS sits on a paved runway under a clear blue sky.A view from an aircraft window shows a metallic wing above a desert landscape with urban buildings and distant skyscrapers under scattered clouds.A yellow single-engine aircraft flies above a vast canyon landscape with layered rock formations under a dramatic, overcast sky.A red and silver single-engine aircraft with registration ASXGS flies over a vast canyon landscape under a twilight sky.A yellow and black single-engine taildragger aircraft with registration ASXGS sits on a cracked runway near a forested area.A red and white low-wing aircraft flies above a deep canyon landscape at dusk with a clear sky and distant horizon.A white single-engine aircraft with registration EC-KCN flies near a large cloud bank above a sprawling cityscape with tall buildings.A low-angle view shows a polished red and silver single-engine aircraft with spinning propeller on a sunlit runway near dense trees.A yellow single-engine aircraft with registration ASXGS flies above a deep canyon landscape under partly cloudy skies at sunset.A small white taildragger aircraft with registration ASXGS sits on an asphalt runway beside a forest under a clear blue sky.A glass cockpit light aircraft panel displays dual avionics screens and analog gauges while flying above scattered clouds and blue sky.A yellow single-engine aircraft with the registration ASXGS flies above a canyon landscape, partially surrounded by low clouds and dramatic lighting.A small red and white single-engine aircraft flies above a deep canyon at dusk with a faint orange glow on the horizon.A yellow and black single-engine aircraft with registration ASXGS climbs vertically above a canyon landscape partially covered by clouds.A white single-engine aircraft with registration EC-KCN flies above scattered clouds and a coastal city, with a pilot visible in the cockpit.A yellow and black single-engine RV-7 aircraft with a visible registration code flies above dense clouds during a partly cloudy sunset.A low-angle view shows a red and white single-engine aircraft flying above a canyon landscape under a mostly clear blue sky.A yellow and black single-engine aircraft with registration ASXGS flies above scattered clouds during a sunset or sunrise.A low-wing single-engine aircraft flies above a canyon landscape at dusk, with city lights visible on the distant horizon.A yellow single-engine aircraft with registration ASXGS flies above dense clouds under a partly cloudy sky at sunset.A red and white single-engine aircraft with registration ASXGS flies near large cumulus clouds under a mostly blue sky.A yellow single-engine aircraft with registration ASXGS is viewed from below against a sky filled with scattered clouds.A red and white taildragger aircraft flies above a canyon landscape at dusk with stars visible in the darkening sky.
All screenshots above have been created by Fly Away Simulation and are exclusive. For more details, see our image copyright information.

View important Copyright © information related to freeware files here.

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Installation Instructions

Most of the freeware add-on aircraft and scenery packages in our file library come with easy installation instructions which you can read above in the file description. For further installation help, please see our Flight School for our full range of tutorials or view the README file contained within the download. If in doubt, you may also ask a question or view existing answers in our dedicated Q&A forum.

1 comments

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The content of the comments below are entirely the opinions of the individual posting the comment and do not always reflect the views of Fly Away Simulation. We moderate all comments manually before they are approved.

Ronald MortellitoThu, 26 Jun 2025 18:28:06 GMT

I downloaded the Van's RV-9A and installed it in the Community folder for MSFS2020.

The following are not present in the RV-9A folder:

  • manifest.json
  • layout.json
  • SimObjects folder

Does this mean it is not compatible with MSFS2020, or did I do something wrong? The RV-9A does not show up in the Aircraft selection list.

Thanks for Your reply

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