Bellanca 17-30
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| 17-30A Super Viking | |
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| Type | Utility aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Alexandria Aircraft Bellanca |
| Maiden flight | 1967 |
| Number built | 1,356 |
The Bellanca Viking and Super Viking are a series of single-engine, four seat, high performance, retractable gear, aircraft manufactured in the USA from the 1960's. The aircraft developed through modifications of classic designs by the aviation pioneer Giuseppe Bellanca. A total of 1,356 Vikings have been produced with most production between 1968 and 1975 (1019 planes).
The Viking is a derivative of the Bellanca Cruisaire, a triple-tailed retractable gear taildragger. The triple tail design was modified to a single tail with the same aggregate surface area, and manufactured by Downer Aircraft as the Model 260 starting around 1958. The later Vikings retain the oversized vertical fin that contributes to the distinctive flying characteristics of the aircraft. The Viking model was born out of discussions at Downer for a bigger version of the "Model 260" with at least 300 horsepower. The company was based in Minnesota and employed skilled craftsman who manufactured the wing from spruce and the new 300hp model was named the "Viking" in respect to the many Scandinavians of the area.
The first Model 17 Viking appeared in 1967 called the "17-30" it was powered by a 300-HP Continental IO-520-D. In 1969 a Viking powered by a 290-HP (later 300-HP) Lycoming IO-540 was introduced, either normally aspirated (17-31) or turbocharged (17-31TC).
Over the years there were a number of refinements in the aircraft. The original hydraulic gear and flap actuation system was redesigned in 1968 introducing electric flaps. In 1969 the FAA issued Type Certificate A18CE and the aircraft built under that design were designated the "A" series "Super Vikings". Aside from refinements already made to late Viking 300 models, the new 300A Vikings (17-30A, 17-31A and 17-31ATC) had a gross weight increase to 3,325 lbs.The original complex fuel system with five tanks and two fuel selectors allowing eight possible combinations of selector settings was simplified to a left, right and auxiliary system in 1974. In 1979 the Continental powered Vikings sported a fully enclosed nosewheel thanks to a redesign of the engine mount. This necessitated the use of cowl flaps for the first time on the Viking but resulted in a 12 mph increase. In 1979 production of the Lycoming powered 17-31A ceased. In 1996, the Continental IO-550 was made available as an option.
Since 2002 the company has been operated by a group of six Bellanca enthusiasts who bought the company from the state of Minnesota and established Alexandria Aircraft Co. LLC. They provide technical support and parts to owners and A&Ps in the field. They have one new aircraft for sale manufactured in 2005.
The aircraft fuselage is constructed from tubular steel overlayed with fabric while the wings are fashioned from spruce with a plywood skin.
The highly responsive flying characteristics of the aircraft are evident to anyone who has flown one. Bill Cox, the well known aviation journalist at Plane and Pilot Magazine commented regarding the flying qualities of Vikings that they "have long been famous for control response and harmony that seems almost psychic in nature" , and asserted, "Owners almost unanimously pronounce the Viking the best handling airplane they've ever flown."
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[edit] Variants
- 17-30 Viking 300
- 17-31 Viking 300
- 17-31TC Viking 300
- 17-30A Super Viking
- 17-31A Super Viking
- 17-31ATC Super Viking
[edit] Specifications (1992 17-30A Super Viking)
General characteristics
- Crew: one pilot
- Capacity: 3 passengers
- Length: 26 ft 4 in (8.03 m)
- Wingspan: 34 ft 2 in (10.41 m)
- Height: 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)
- Wing area: 165 ft² (15.0 m²)
- Empty weight: 2,185 lb (994 kg)
- Gross weight: 3,325 lb (1,512 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Continental IO-520K, 300 hp (224 kW)
Performance
- Cruise speed: 205 mph (330 km/h)
- Range: 1,205 miles (1,939 km)
- Service ceiling: 20100 ft (5,180 m)
- Rate of climb: 1,210 ft/min (5.9 m/s)
[edit] References
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions, 151.
- World Aircraft Information Files. London: Bright Star Publishing, File 890 Sheet 24.
[edit] External links
- History of Early Viking Design
- Bellanca Viking "Reference Room" with links
- Bellanca Viking FAQ
- Bellanca Aircraft Official Site
[edit] See also
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