[3][7] The architect of the line of Van's aircraft, Richard VanGrunsven, designed the RV-9 as a departure from the concepts of the earlier RV series.

The RV-9 was designed from the start as a two-place, side-by-side, touring aircraft and as such it forgoes the aerobatic capabilities and the lighter handling for more stability and economy.

The RV-9A was the first to use what Van's calls "matched-hole" components in that airframe parts are formed to the required contour and have all the rivet holes precisely located.

The RV-9 has a low stall speed, comparable to the Cessna 150, and docile handling suitable for low-time pilots.

Like those aircraft, the RV-9 uses computer assisted design to produce a kit with pre-drilled rivet holes, thus greatly reducing assembly time for the builder.