Vashon Ranger R7

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.

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.

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.

The company manufactures the majority of parts itself to reduce costs and shorten the supply chain.

By January 2018, the design had been accepted by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a light-sport aircraft.

Operational history
By May 2017, one example had been registered in the United States with the FAA.

In a review of the design on AVweb, writer Paul Bertorelli indicated that the aircraft suffers from a low useful load of 438 lb due to the choice of the old-technology Continental O-200D engine, which is at least 50 lb heavier than other newer engines.

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

Ranger R7 Yellowstone
Base model powered by a 100 hp 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 100 hp 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.

Ranger R7 Redwood
Premium model powered by a 100 hp 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 100 hp 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.