Champion Sky-Trac

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7GC Sky-Trac and 7GCB Challenger
Type Utility aircraft
Manufacturer Champion
Maiden flight 1959
Number built >762

The Champion 7GC Sky-Trac was a light aircraft produced in the United States during the 1960s, derived from the Aeronca Champion 7EC. Whlie retaining that aircraft's basic configuration, the Sky-Trac introduced a second passenger seat and a more powerful engine for a greater take-off weight. The Sky-Trac was also marketed in a dedicated agricultural version, the 7GCA, which accounted for some two-thirds of all Sky-Tracs sold.

Two-seat development of the 7EC line continued as the 7GCB Challenger that added flaps and larger wings to the 7GCA design. This too led to an agricultural sub-type, the 7GCBA.

A final designation, 7GCAA was used for a version based on the 7GCA but incorporating the engine mounting from the 7GCB and various detail changes.

Further development would be carried out as the 7GCBC Citabria.


[edit] Variants

  • 7GC Sky-Trac - basic production model with Lycoming O-290-D2B engine (171 built)
    • 7GCA Sky-Trac - agricultural version with Lycoming O-320-A2B engine (396 built)
      • 7GCAA - 7GCA with 7GCB engine mounting
    • 7GCB Challenger - two-seater with enlarged wing (195 built)
      • 7GCBA - agricultural version of 7GCB


[edit] Specifications (7GC)

General characteristics

  • Crew: One pilot
  • Capacity: 2 passengers
  • Length: 22 ft 1 in (6.73 m)
  • Wingspan: 33 ft 5 in (10.19 m)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-290-D2B, 140 hp (104 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 160 mph (260 km/h)
  • Range: 638 miles (1,026 km)
  • Service ceiling: 18,100 ft (5,520 m)

[edit] References

  • Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions, 252. 
  • Simpson, R. W. (1995). Airlife's General Aviation. Shrewsbury: Airlife Publishing. 
  • aerofiles.com


[edit] See also