It was a revolutionary and lofty goal back in 1990: To design and produce a 345 mph, four seat, pressurized aircraft that could be easily built in one’s home shop. Now, more than ten years later and after continual refinement, the Lancair IV has truly proven itself to be incredibly fast, efficient, safe, reliable, comfortable and now more than ever, easy to build. Over the years we have pioneered many "industry firsts" with this aircraft. To begin with, it is one of only four single engine piston aircraft in the history of aviation to achieve a pressurized cabin. The Lancair IV-P not only maintains an enviable 5.0 psi cabin differential, it has proven over the years to be very safe, reliable and extremely low in maintenance. Today, the vast majority of "IV" owners all around the world opt for the pressurized model. It is the ultimate compliment to cabin comfort and has helped to make the "IV-P" one of the world’s best personal cross-country machines. It truly combines airliner speeds and comfort with levels of freedom and economy never before possible
The "IV" has also proven itself time and again to be fast and strong. Many customers have earned impressive wins with their "IV’s" in virtually all-major air races in the nation and have set around the world speed records. The "IV" is also the only kit plane ever qualified to race in the unlimited category at the Reno National Air Races, and at Reno, the "IV" has again set lap speed records in the new Sport Class. These aircraft have logged thousands of hours all around the world and their safety record is enviable.
We are particularly proud of all the accomplishments our customers have made with their own Lancair IV’s as they continue to demonstrate this remarkable aircraft to the aviation world. Because this has proven to be such an exceptional aircraft, we have invested heavily over the years to continually offer enhancements and options that add further utility, pleasure and operating safety to the Lancair IV line. We not only pioneered the concept of a "fastbuild kit," we now offer the most advanced Fastbuild kit in the industry. And to complement that, we recently set another industry first by offering a top quality builder’s workshop that provides one-on-one guided, hands on training and gets your "IV" into the air faster than you could have ever imagined. As you learn more about this phenomenal aircraft, we’re confident you will agree that it is the near perfect blend of technology and aerodynamic focus to create the ultimate personal traveling machine.
Developing and Proving
The Lancair IV has been extensively finite element analyzed (FEA). We developed FEA data for the wing, fuselage, tail assemblies, landing gear, firewall, and motor mount assemblies – virtually the entire airframe. FEA modeling enables our engineers to analyze on a point-by-point, ply-by-ply basis, ensuring safety as well as optimization of all components.
In addition to computer analysis and static load testing, a full flutter test program was conducted. First the airframe is analyzed through ground vibration testing (GVT) that determines stiffness and natural frequencies of all major components. GVT data in combination with FEA data then verified the flutter free condition required for safe operations throughout the flight envelope, which is primarily due to the "IV’s" high cruise speeds.
Flight Testing
Test pilot Dave Morss conducted all in-flight tests to again verify safe operations throughout the entire flight envelope. In addition, Dave has piloted the IV at all Reno races, setting course records on more than one occasion and has set many internationally recognized world speed records.
Material Testing
Over the years, we have specialized in the near exclusive use of high temperature, epoxy prepreg materials, which are now the composite aviation industry standard. We have collected an enormous data bank, which confirms strength and stiffness in all environmental conditions. To accomplish this, testing has been conducted not only at room temperature but also at elevated temperatures (170 degrees F) and under high humidity. And, to confirm all data results and prove the engineered structural integrity, we conducted ground static and dynamic load testing as well as lifetime cycle testing for specific structure. To summarize, we are fully confident in the overall strength of the Lancair IV airframe and over the years it has proven itself to be strong, solid, safe and reliable.
Powerplant Installation
Ultimate reliability and safety in any aircraft rely heavily on a thorough powerplant installation. Again we have worked hand in hand with Continental Motors, Walters, Hartzell, MT-Propeller and Avia propellers to perfect the engine/propeller installation. In fact, the Lancair IV is the only kit plane to ever undergo "installed power testing". This is a complex in-flight testing program to determine actual power being used and thereby perfect the aircraft cruise profile to enhance longevity and reliability. This is likely the most thoroughly tested powerplant installation in the industry. To further enhance safety, we now offer a complete Firewall Fastbuild and Engine Fastbuild option in which all engine systems are pre-wired and installed onto your engine, then inspected before you receive it. A complete stress/strain survey was conducted by Hartzell and MT-Propeller to ensure a perfect match to the Continental engine and airframe. In these tests, sophisticated radio transmitting equipment was attached to the engine and propeller so that actual real-time, in-flight data could be received and analyzed. Walter, in the Czech Republic has worked with Lancair to complete the installation of the Walter 601E engine into the Lancair IV-P airframe. Hartzell as well as Avia propeller have designed propellers for this engine installation.
Materials
We utilize advanced composites for one single reason; they are clearly the best overall airframe materials for a general aviation aircraft. These materials permit complex aerodynamic shapes that would be impossible in aluminum and they can maintain exact airfoil contours and surface finishes that provide the high levels of laminar flow available on our advanced airfoils. These composites also do not rot, rust or corrode. They can be tailored, ply-by-ply, to perfect the load bearing structure. Opposite of aluminum, composites have a near infinite fatigue life and the carbon fiber we use is, pound for pound, nearly three times stronger than steel.
With the Lancair IV and IV-P requirements for reduced weight and extreme high speeds, a small, strong and stiff wing was essential. Carbon fiber was chosen because of its incredible strength to weight ratio, which is generally 25% lighter than E-glass as well as 2 times stiffer. These materials are becoming very common for general aviation aircraft today.
Sandwich Structures
Typical ply schedules for the airframe will range from three to as many as seventy plies of carbon fiber, depending on the load requirements. These carbon fibers are typically woven materials; however, spar caps, longerons, and roll over structures are fabricated with uni-directional carbon.
To complete the sandwich structure, only Nomex honeycomb core materials are used. These premium materials are again the aviation industry standard due to their high strength in both compression and shear along with their fire resistant characteristics.
The resultant structure is comprised of several layers of woven carbon fiber, a film adhesive layer on each side of the Nomex core, and followed by closeout layers of woven carbon fiber. This creates an amazingly stiff, strong, and light composite that is capable of outlasting any aluminum structure. And again unlike aluminum, composites are far more damage tolerant and virtually cannot be permanently bent.
Wing
Our consulting aerodynamicist created a very specialized wing planform using proprietary programs. The wing compromises a unique blend of an inboard custom airfoil section with a NACA tip section. Also unique for such a high-speed aircraft is the high laminar flow airflow root section, which has a robust 17% chord thickness. This offers the added benefits of greater strength, greater stiffness and increased fuel volume.
The Lancair IV, IV-P and Propjet were designed for high altitude operations and they are in their element when cruising up in the flight levels. To achieve this high altitude performance, the wing has relatively high aspect ratio that can be further enhanced with addition of the extended winglets. The wing offers a higher wing loading than typical four seat aircraft that greatly improves the ride making it smooth and solid.
Prior to our developments, such high wing loading would typically result in poor performance "around the pattern." To solve this, we again departed from the normal and designed full slotted Fowler flaps to reduce stall speed and improve slow speed handling; and they function exceptionally well. The Fowler flaps operate in roller tracks that are completely hidden when the flaps are retracted. When the flaps are extended, they add considerable wing area to enhance slow speed handling. Take off flaps (full aft extension and 10 degrees down) can be deployed at speeds as high as 200 mph (174 kts). This Fowler flap system is fully electro/hydraulic and is now completely installed for you in every Fastbuild kit.
To further increase high altitude operations, we developed a winglet option that increases span and adds to roll coupling for greater stability up in the thinner air of the flight levels. Winglets are interchangeable in a matter of minutes with the standard wing tip. In addition, we offer a speed brake option to enable quick descents without reducing power, thereby maintaining a warm engine and a fully pressurized cabin during descents.
High Aspect Ratio Ailerons
To insure that control stick forces were firm but comfortable for this high-speed cruiser, we created another unique feature with the high aspect ratio ailerons. These ailerons are just 15% of chord-long and thin. They provide excellent roll authority and are very responsive even at the slowest pattern speeds. In fact, slow speed roll control is nothing short of remarkable. Yet, during high-speed cruise where indicated speeds can exceed 235 mph (205 kts), control forces are firm and comfortable. And, at those indicated speeds at 24,000 ft., you’ll be truing out close to 345 mph (300 kts)!
Fuel System
Simple and straight forward is the only way a fuel system should be designed. Fuel is carried in the "wet wings" which are integral with the structure. Typical fuel is 90 gallons with options for adding more fuel bays in the wing and increasing volume up to approximately 110 gallons for the reciprocating engine and 125 or 150 gallons for the turboprop, Propjet. The Propjet wings will hold 115 gallons and the kit includes a header tank that holds an additional 10 gallons. There is an optional header tank that will hold 35 gallons available. Fuel tanks are selected from the single valve that offers left, right, and off. Per FAA standards for low wing aircraft, there is no "both" position. As a safety feature, each wing tank incorporates a slosh bay to reduce the chance of unporting the fuel pickup in the event of temporary uncoordinated maneuvers such as slips. The fuel valve also automatically returns "vapor return fuel" back to the tank in use, which tremendously simplifies management. Custom fuel quantity monitoring systems are available from Lancair as options. With all new Fastbuild kits, this wing fuel system is installed for you, including fuel tank sealer.
Cabin
When we aimed for the fastest four-seat single engine plane in the world, we didn’t believe we needed to sacrifice cabin comfort to do it. The "IV" has a very roomy cabin area measuring 46 inches across the front seats and 43 inches in the back. Cabin height is an equally impressive 48 inches. Front seats have ground adjustable seat backs and large side arm rests that add to the overall comfort. The cabin door offers an inflatable seal to keep wind whistle out. Excellent cabin ventilation and cabin heat round out his very comfortable environment.
Visability
Nothing is more important to a pilot than good visibility. The view in all directions is outstanding. Side windows are high and the windshield is large affording excellent visibility even in those steep bank turns. On approach the one-piece, 3/8" thick windshield provides excellent visibility of the runway ahead. The thickness of the windshield offers not only security but also aids in quieting the cabin. The large side windows are 3/16" thick on standard IV’s and 1/4" thick on the pressurized IV-P.
Dual Side Stick Controls
The unique dual side sticks are far more than just innovative – they are practical, natural, and very comfortable. NASA has invested considerable ergonomic research in this area and has selected this approach as the optimum for a general aviation cockpit. These side sticks effectively eliminate visual obstruction, such as a yoke, between the pilot and the instrument panel. Everything on the panel is easy to see without having to look around a clumsy yoke. The sense of spatial freedom in the pilot’s area of the cabin must be experienced to be fully appreciated.
Landing Gear
The gear system is electro/hydraulic and includes an accumulator thereby providing a constant pressure of 1100 psi. In addition, the Fowler flap system uses the same electro/hydraulic pressure for operation. As a gear down backup, a hand pump is supplied which draws hydraulic fluid from a dedicated portion of the reservoir. All airframe kits contain this complete gear and actuation system. The gear leg assemblies are installed for you. All you need to do when your kit arrives is open your shipping crate, lift the fuselage up, lower the gear, and roll your IV, IV-P or Propjet into the garage or shop. For protection from the environment, all landing gear and metal components for the airframe are either painted or plated for corrosion protection.
Main Gear
The main gear is made of tubular 4340 steel. It is gun-drilled, honed, taper cut and polished, bent in our custom-tapered dies, aligned, drilled, and heat-treated. The main gearbox is pre-aligned truss assembly that is already installed for you. These gear legs retract using a rack and pinion system. Large 600x6 wheels and heavy-duty brakes are standard. This gear system can accommodate unimproved strips.
Nose Gear
The nose gear is a premium air/oleo strut designed with a unique internal shimmy dampener and alignment system. There are no scissor links to wear out and the wheel always aligns itself straight when the weight is lifted off, insuring smooth retraction. Steering is via differential braking that permits tight radius turns and the rudder becomes effective for steering at speeds as slow as 20 mph.
Full Electric Trim is Standard
Excellent trim authority is supplied for all three axes. With 350 available horsepower, we chose to include trim for the rudder as well, which makes for comfortable climbs straight up to the flight levels. The trim controls can be panel and/or control stick mounted. Typically the aileron and elevator are stick mounted.
Assembly Systems
We have been constantly working to simplify the assembly tasks that remain on our Fastbuild kits. Our single and double joggle alignment system used for all major components greatly aids in properly and quickly aligning these parts. You will also find that we greatly reduced the need for applying fiberglass bonding tapes throughout our new Fastbuild kits. With ten years of continual development, the benefits to today’s customers include reduced assembly times and reduced weight as well.
Our Fastbuild Kits
We pioneered the concept of a Fastbuild kit over a decade ago. Since then it has become an industry buzzword, but nobody else has developed it to the extent of our latest kits. All major structures are installed for you in the wings, horizontal stabilizer, elevators, and vertical fin. The fuselage also sees major component installation performed for you using our massive alignment fixtures, which include the firewall, nose gear tunnel, engine mount, nose and main gear assemblies, fuselage bulkheads, etc. Also included is the wing mating feature that aligns and attaches the wing into the fuselage. Main gear doors are also trimmed out for you. Recently added to our pre-assembly is the wing fuel system that includes fuel caps, drains, slosh doors, pickup and return line fittings, vent lines, and tank sealer. In short, this is one very complete Fastbuild kit that is fully FAA approved. Our Fastbuild kits effectively enhance safety since major components are assured to be properly assembled and of course, they will greatly reduce your remaining assembly time as well.
Builder's Workshop
Introduced in 1999, this builder’s workshop program has been an instant hit with our customers. Nothing beats having experienced technical assistance during the early stages of your Lancair IV assembly. This program teaches proper composite skills and at the same time gets a major portion of your aircraft fully completed in absolute record time. In this program, you will complete your entire Lancair IV or IV-P wing and tail assembly in less than one week! If you choose to stay for another week or two, you will also install the Fastbuild door, windows, windshield, side stick controls, fairings and/or fit the header tank for the Propjet. Use our fixtures, our technical guidance along with assistance as needed, and in less than 3 weeks you’ll be finished with all these major structures. They will not only be completed in record time but you’ll have the security of knowing that they are virtually perfect. You will head home with newfound confidence that will greatly speed your remaining assembly task and help you get in the air faster with a maximum emphasis on safety as well. Ask anyone who’s attended this program; it’s cost effective and simply fantastic. Again, another industry first from Lancair.
Free Technical Assistance
Unlike some other kit aircraft companies that charge for support at some point in time, when you buy your Lancair, you’ll enjoy the assurance of knowing that unlimited support is always available five days a week, eight hours a day – forever. Our staff is well trained and experienced in all aspects of Lancair assembly and operation. And it’s not at all uncommon to catch one of our technical staff on the weekend as well.
Lancair Avionics
Avionics and related systems installations are key to the utility of your high speed, over the weather Lancair. Today the array of instrumentation and avionics available can seem overwhelming as new and better equipment is constantly emerging. To eliminate confusion and avoid inappropriate choices, we created Lancair Avionics Inc. Our experienced staff has accumulated years of research and testing to create uncompromising capability and reliability for your Lancair and nobody knows the wiring intricacies of a composite airframe better than us. We offer very competitive prices on virtually all avionics and cabin systems for your Lancair. Every Lancair instrument panel delivered is custom painted to your specifications including professional looking, integrated labeling. In addition, each panel is exhaustively bench tested to insure a fast and trouble free installation. Our goal is simply "plug and play." Therefore, most of the airframe attachments are a cannon plug connection that includes nearly all of the "through firewall" connection as well.
Engines
Every aircraft is designed around an engine of choice. For the Lancair IV and IV-P, that engine is the Continental TSIO-550. With the "IV’s" performance optimized for the flight levels, this twin turbocharged, twin intercooled engine delivers 75% power all the way up to 25,000 ft. where, depending on conditions, you’ll be realizing true airspeeds of 330 to 345 mph. For takeoff, you’ll experience the spectacular acceleration and climb performance of all 350 horses up front which can quickly and safely get you above 90% of the weather. This top of the line engine is equipped with a fully automatic turbo-waste gate control system – set your power level once, then sit back and enjoy the ride as manifold pressure remains the same throughout all altitudes. As an option, we also support IO-550 engine installations for the Lancair IV. This normally aspirated engine develops 310 hp at sea level. Thanks to their cross flow-tuned induction, these engines tend to run smoother and consume about 15% less fuel when compared to other engines.
For those customers that want just a little more power and speed, Lancair introduced the Propjet in 2000. This aircraft is designed for the Walter 601E, 750hp turboprop engine. This engine features two basic parts: the gas generator and power section. The gas generator consists of two stage axial and one stage centrifugal compressor, annular combustor and one stage axial turbine. An accessory gearbox with instruments necessary for engine operation and power control is situated on the rear part of the compressor air intake casing. An oil tank is an integral part of the accessory gearbox. The power section is mounted on the front part of the gas generator. This section consists of one stage axial turbine, exhaust system (exhaust is optional) and two stage reduction gearbox with a torquemeter and propeller shaft. The propeller governor is situated on the reduction gearbox and controls the hydraulic actuated propeller including the reverse thrust angle adjustment. The engine is equipped with a system of electronic limiters, which protects the engine against overload. The pressurization comes from a low pressure bleed air port that has been installed on the engine. This allows air into the cabin through the mixer box installed on the firewall. The pilot operated valve and mixer box control the quantity and temperature of air into the cockpit. Typical cruise with the turboprop Walter engine at 26,000 feet is 370 mph.
Firewall Forward Fastbuild Options
As a further service to our customers and to enhance the safety and longevity of your engine installation, we pioneered another industry first. We will Fastbuild your engine for you. We do this in our facility by installing your engine to the mount and adding all baffling, fittings, lines, etc. to completely plumb your engine. We can also install all the firewall-mounted items needed for your fuselage installation onto your firewall before your fuselage kit leaves our facility. With these two options, you will be able to mount your engine and fully plumb it in less than a day! And, you’ll again rest assured knowing that everything is installed properly. As of July 2003, a Fastbuild engine for the Walter installation is being developed.
Propellers
There are 4 approved propellers for the IV, IV-P and Propjet – the composite three or four-blade by MT-Propeller, the Avia propeller and the aluminum three blade by Hartzell. These propellers have been fully stress/strain tested in flight by the manufacturer on our company IV’s and are fully approved. They are all 76" in diameter, which provides excellent ground clearance of approximately 10 inches.
"The Lancair IV-P is perhaps the most sophisticated homebuilt aircraft available today…with capabilities that rival jumbo jets." Brian Seeley, CAFÉ Foundation
The Pressurized Lancair IV-P
After years of development, we offer the option that has eluded all other kit plane makers – a pressurized cabin. In fact, the IV is only the fourth single engine piston aircraft in the history of aviation to achieve pressurization! And it is a fabulous way to fly complements high altitude, over the weather comfort and safety. The IV-P is structurally quite different and is designed to operate with an impressive 5.0 psi cabin differential pressure. The structure again has been fully FEA analyzed and tested. In fact, we ground tested the fuselage to over 10 psi with no problems encountered. Typically all customers ground test their IV-P’s to 6.5 psi to validate safe operations. And with years of operations on many IV-P’s, the overall system has proven to be safe, effective, reliable, and very low in maintenance.
This pressurization system is custom developed exclusively for Lancair by Dukes Inc., a leading manufacturer and it is fully automatic. As you climb out, simply set your final cruising flight level. Upon descent, dial in the airport elevation. That’s it; the electronic controller takes care of the rest. We also provide safety backups. This proven system maintains cabin pressure up to the maximum of 5.0 psi differential. This equates to a "cabin altitude" of just 8,500 ft. when you’re cruising at FL240 (24,000 ft.). We are particularly proud of this aircraft, which has stood the test of time and proven itself hour after hour, year after year. Once you experience flying a pressurized aircraft in the typical smooth air of the flight levels, cruising over 90% of the weather, you simply won’t want to fly any other way!
Custom Assistance and Product Follow-up
Our customers, as well as the Lancair IV kits, do not lose any of their importance to us once we ship out the aircraft. All Lancairs are backed by our ongoing commitment to excellence. If at any time you have questions regarding assembly, flight operations, etc., our knowledgeable staff is available with answers. We are confident that you will find the Lancair IV assembly manual easy to follow, yet we know from experience that questions always seem to come up and we’re here to answer them.
We also have a formal Service Bulletin program for all Lancair models. Over the years, if we see any trends in maintenance, operation, etc. that bear discussion, action or remedy, we issue a Service Bulletin . These can either be advisory or mandatory should we feel that an issue could affect your safe operations. There is no charge for this service and Service Bulletins are mailed to all owners of record.
Our Commitment
Lancair’s commitment to build the best cross-country, kit-built aircraft in the world is more than skin deep, it permeates every aspect of the Lancair IV and IV-Pressurized and is evident in its specifications.
Watch a video clip |
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Fastbuild Kit $99,900.00 (IV)
Fastbuild Kit $129,900.00 (IV-P)
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Specifications
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| Engine |
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Cont. TSIO-550
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| Horsepower |
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350 h.p. @
2600 rpm
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| Propeller |
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3 blade, constant speed
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| Length |
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25 ft.
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| Wingspan |
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35.5 ft.
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| Pressurization |
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5 psi
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| Wing Area |
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98 sq. ft. (108 sq. ft. with optional winglets)
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| Aspect Ratio |
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9:1
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| Wing Loading |
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36.2 lbs/sq. ft.,
32.2 lbs/sq ft. (with winglets)
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| G Loading |
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+4.4, -2.2 G's (utility);
+3.8, -2.0 G's (normal)
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| Empty Weight |
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2,000 lbs. (2,200 lbs. pressurized)
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| Gross Weight |
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3,550 lbs.
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| Fuel Capacity |
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90 gal. (110 gal. with extended tanks)
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| Useful Load |
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1,550 lbs. (1350 lbs. pressurized)
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| Baggage Capacity |
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150 lbs.
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Cabin
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| Seats |
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4
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| Cabin Width |
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46 in. (front)
43 in. (rear)
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| Cabin Height |
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48 in.
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Performance
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| Cruise |
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330 mph @
24,000 ft. (typical)
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| Fuel Consumption |
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18-22 gph (typical)
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| Maximum Range |
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1550 sm
(with reserves @ 8,000 ft.)
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| Endurance |
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6 hours |
| Rate of Climb |
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2,000 fpm (solo),
1,500 fpm (gross)
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| Takeoff Distance |
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1,500 ft. (gross @ sea level)
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| Landing Roll |
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1,900 ft.
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| Stall Speed |
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75 mph (dirty);
73 mph (dirty and with optional winglets)
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| Cross Wind Landing |
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21 mph component
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