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RV-8 Aviator II

Note: The Aviator II is one of three seat designs we offer for the RV-8. Click Here for information about our less expensive option called the Sportsman, or click here for information about our Aviator I seats.


Personalized Fit

The Aviator II seat was designed around the concept of Personalized Fit. Because each person's body is different, there are a number of shapes and dimensions in the seat that can be selected to provide maximum comfort. The idea is similar to choosing the right size of shoe.


Lumbar Inserts

One of the most important factors in creating a comfortable seat is providing a way to ensure proper alignment of the lumbar spine. The two most common approaches are the rear cushion wedge, and the lumbar support. The wedge design is common in office chairs where computer users are often sitting upright, or even forward leaning. Fortunately RVs have a semi reclined seating angle which makes a lumbar support a very effective solution in a properly designed seat, and avoids the issues of the rear wedge.

lumbar alignment As part of the Personalized Fit approach the Aviator II allows lumbar support pads of varying sizes and shapes to be installed to provide proper alignment for a specific customer's lumbar spine. RV-8 Aviator II personalized fit This is important because curvature can vary greatly from one person to another. Without proper alignment increased muscle activity is required to maintain balance of the upper body. This misalignment also increases disc pressure. These are common causes of muscle fatigue and pain in the lower back when sitting for extended periods.


Height Specific Design

The Personalized Fit concept continues in selecting the proper cushion and backrest for each customer. Instead of a one size fits all approach, we have a variety of cushions and backrests to choose from. Vans RV-8 Aviator II seat cutaway These correspond to the sitting height of the customer. In addition, each height of cushion is a unique design with a different shape that takes into account the angle of the seating surface for that height.



Foam Construction

5 different types of foam are used in the Aviator II, and 143 pieces are cut to shape and glued together to achieve the final result. 4 of the foam parts require 6 independent cutting operations for each part. Vans RV-8 Aviator II seat cutaway The foam cutting on these parts requires accuracy of about 1/16" on all operations, or the parts will not properly mate with other parts in the assembly.

Seat cushion shape is also particularly important in order to evenly distribute weight, and avoid pressure points that cause pain or numbness. The simple wedge shapes common on the sides of many seat cushions are not the correct shape to fit the human body. Also, the somewhat flat designs of the center portions of many seat cushions don't provide adequate support at the rear of the seat which creates greater pressure near the center. The Aviator II addresses these issues, and also adds a unique contoured support area in the rear corners.


Custom Seat Frame

Vans RV-8 Aviator II seat frame

You will notice in the pictures that there is no visible seat frame for the front backrest. That's because we designed our own frame that integrates with the foam and upholstery to be hidden inside the seat cover (just like the seats in your car or truck). Vans RV-8 Aviator II seat frame Our frame design is 2 inches wider at the bottom. It also provides a good spot for a nice pocket on the back side of the seat.

We paid attention to weight too. Despite being slightly larger, the new frame weighs in at 2 lb 3.0 oz vs. the stock frame at 2 lb 3.5 oz. Load testing has revealed that the new frame is also equal to the stock frame in strength.


Interesting Stats

Laser cut aluminum parts18
Precision sheet metal bends (CNC press brake)34
Foam parts143
Total labor29.2 hrs.
Total part count (metal, foam, leather, fasteners, etc.)487



Prices

RV-06025 RV-8 Aviator II Seats, Cloth $2936
RV-06026 RV-8 Aviator II Seats, Synthetic Leather $3265
RV-06027 RV-8 Aviator II Seats, Leather $3602

Additional Options:
-Contrasting top stitch color $80
-Stock seat embroidery pattern $54



RV-8 Aviator II

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