TheZenair Zodiac CH 640is a Canadianlight aircraftthat was designed byChris Heintzand is produced byZenairin the form of a kit foramateur construction.[1][2]
| CH 640 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Kit aircraft |
| National origin | Canada |
| Manufacturer | Zenair |
| Designer | Chris Heintz |
| Status | In production |
| Number built | 50 (Dec 2011)[1] |
| Developed from | AMD Alarus |
Design and development
editThe CH 640 was developed from the two-seattype certifiedAMD Alarus,also called theZenair CH 2000,by increasing the span of the wings and stabilator, to accommodate the larger engine and increase in gross weight. The design was also influenced by theZenith CH 601and theZenair CH 300.The design goals were to produce a simple four-seat aircraft capable of flying cross country flights with full seats.[2]
The CH 640 is a four-seat,low-wingtouring aircraft withtricycle landing gearand a single engine intractor configuration.It has a standard empty weight of 1,147 lb (520 kg), a gross weight of 2,200 lb (998 kg) and an acceptable engine power range of 150 to 240 hp (112 to 179 kW). The recommended engine is theLycoming O-360of 180 hp (134 kW).[1][2]
The aircraft is made from 6061-T6aluminum.Its 31.5 ft (9.6 m) span wing is a cantilever structure and is equipped withflaps.The 46 in (116.8 cm) wide cabin is accessed via twogull-winged doors.The construction time from the factory-supplied standard kit is estimated at 1250 hours to complete and the quick-build kit at 750 hours. In 2011 the kit costUS$28,995, while finishing a completed aircraft was estimated to cost between US$45,000 to $99,000, depending on options, engine and avionics installed. In December 2011 there were 50 completed and flying.[1][2]
Operational history
editIn evaluating the CH 640 AeroNews Network said, "It's a tremendously stable little airplane and a fair amount faster than what you might think."[2]
Specifications (CH 640)
editGeneral characteristics
- Crew:one
- Capacity:three passengers
- Length:23 ft 0 in (7.01 m)
- Wingspan:31 ft 6 in (9.60 m)
- Height:7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)
- Wing area:150 sq ft (14 m2)
- Empty weight:1,147 lb (520 kg)
- Gross weight:2,200 lb (998 kg)
- Fuel capacity:standard tanks: 38 U.S. gallons (140 L; 32 imp gal), optional tanks: 46 U.S. gallons (170 L; 38 imp gal)
- Powerplant:1 ×Lycoming O-360four cylinder,horizontally opposed,four-strokepiston engine, 180 hp (130 kW)
- Propellers:2-bladed metal propeller
Performance
- Maximum speed:160 mph (260 km/h, 140 kn)
- Cruise speed:150 mph (240 km/h, 130 kn)
- Stall speed:47 mph (76 km/h, 41 kn) flaps down
- Never exceed speed:175 mph (282 km/h, 152 kn)
- Range:510 mi (820 km, 440 nmi)
- g limits:+5.7/-2.9
- Rate of climb:950 ft/min (4.8 m/s)
- Wing loading:14.6 lb/sq ft (71 kg/m2)
References
edit- ^abcdeVandermeullen, Richard:2011 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide,Kitplanes, Volume 28, Number 12, December 2011, page 77. Belvoir Publications.ISSN0891-1851
- ^abcdeZenair(n.d.)."Zodiac CH 640".Archived fromthe originalon 2 December 2011.Retrieved13 December2011.
- ^Zenair(n.d.)."Zodiac CH 640 Specifications".Archived fromthe originalon 14 December 2011.Retrieved13 December2011.
External links
edit