Two single-tail Ercoupe designs were built in 1946 under license from ERCO (NX39637, NX83772) under ATC approval (787) from Ercoupe.
With an all-metal fuselage, fabric-covered wings, tricycle gear, the last one had a larger tail, knee-action gear, and all-metal wings.
12AC Chum
Engine: Continental C-75, 75 hp
Continental C-85, 85 hp
Wing span: 29 ft 0 in
Length: 20 ft 0 in
Payload: 590 lb
Max speed: 115 mph
Cruise speed: 108 mph
Stall speed: 50 mph
After World War II, the Chief was introduced as the Model II AC, and a float version (11ACS / S11AC). It was a variation of the Model 7 Champion and differed primarily by having increased fuselage width to permit side-by-side seating and a lowered cowling line for better visibility. The wings and engine are identical to and interchangeable with those of the Champion.
The IIAC was powered by a 65 hp Continental. The Model II BC, and a float version (11BCS / S11BC) was also powered by an 85-hp Continental.
A further improvement on the Chief was designated the II CC Super Chief, and a float version (11CCS / S11CC) and was powered by an 85-hp Continental with a higher gross weight, and wider c/g range. It featured new balanced elevator surfaces to meet new trim requirements called for in the Civil Air Regulations. Its cruise speed was 95 mph, and its climb rate was 600 fpm. The 11AC Chief was built from 1947 to 1951.
Aeronca sold the Super Chief Model 11 type certificate to E. J. Trytek of Syracuse, NY. Though Mr Trytek did not manufacture any airplanes, but he did license Hindustan Aircraft of India to build the Chief as the HUL-26 ‘Pushpak’. 154 ‘Pushpaks’ were built from 1958 to 1968.
11AC / 11ACS Chief / S11AC
1945 (ATC 761);
Engine: Continental C-65, 65hp
Wingspan: 36 ft 0 ft
Length: 20 ft 10 in
Payload: 525 lb
Max speed: 105 mph
Cruise speed: 95 mph
Stall speed: 40 mph
Range: 330 nm
Seats: 2
Price: US$2,395-2,585
Number built: 1,862
Engine: Lycoming, 65 hp
Wingspan: 36 ft 0 ft
Gross weight: 1155 lb
Empty weight: 675 lb
Fuel capacity: 12 USG
Top speed: 105 mph
Cruise speed: 95 mph
Stall speed: 37 mph
Initial climb rate: 600 fpm
Service ceiling: 14,000 ft
Range: 240 nm
Seats: 2
11BC / 11BCS Chief / S11BC
1945 (ATC 761)
Engine: Continental C-85-8F, 85hp
Wingspan: 36 ft 0 ft
Length: 20 ft 10 in
Seats: 2
Price: US$2,665
Number built: 180
11CC / 11CCS Super Chief / S11CC
1948 (ATC 796)
Engine: Continental C-85-8F, 85hp
Wing span: 36 ft 1 in
Length: 20 ft 5 in
Gross weight: 1350 lb
Empty weight: 820 lb
Payload: 530 lb
Fuel capacity: 23 USG
Max speed: 110 mph
Cruise speed: 97 mph
Stall speed: 43 mph
Range: 370 nm
Initial climb rate: 650 fpm
Service ceiling: 14,500 ft
Seats: 2
Takeoff distance, 50 ft: 620 ft
Price: US$2,585-2,475
Landing distance, 50 ft: 860 ft
Number built: 276
Designed by Edward Burn, the single model 9 Arrow of 1943, NX39581, was destroyed in a test flight after propeller failure.
The aircraft had featured a manual undercarriage retraction.
Engine: Franklin 4AC, 90hp
Wingspan: 29 ft 11 in
Length: 19 ft 9 in
Max speed: 135 mph
Cruise speed: 120 mph
Stall speed: 50 mph
Undercarriage: retractable
The Aeronea 7AC Champion, predecessor of the Citabria, was a derivative of the prewar Aeronca Tandem Trainer version of the Chief series. The original Champ, which first flew on 29 April 1944 piloted by Lou Wehrung, was powered by a 65-hp Continental engine and designated the 7AC. The basic 7AC Champion (7200 built) two-seater offered direct competition against the J-3 Cub. Most had a 65 hp engine but later models had 85 and 90 hp engines. The company built over 10,000 Champions and over 600 Army liaison derivatives between 1946 and 1951. The design proved to be popular, and Aeronca increased the plane’s power rating to 85 hp before the Champion Aircraft Corp. acquired the tooling and rights to the design in 1951. Variations included the Chief (1947) and Super Chief (1948).
The 1944 7AC and 7ACS Champion (ATC 759) were designed by Raymond F Hermes. First flown on 29 April 1944, piloted by Lou Wehrung, 7,200 were built, those for the USAAF as L-16.
7ACS, or S7AC, was the floatplane version. The 7AC first sold for $2,095, $2,395 in 1947 with 65 hp Continental engine.
The design was revived in 1954 as Champion Citabria, later Bellanca Citabria.
The 7BCM Champion of 1947 featured “No-bounce” gear, a reinforced fuselage and other refinements. 509 were built, all of which went to USAAF as the L-16A; prototype (NX3124E). The 7CCM Champion of 1948 (ATC 759) featured the larger 90hp Continental C-90-8F (O-205-1), a larger dorsal fin, and wing tanks. 125 were built, plus 100 for the USAAF as L-16B. The 1948 7DC, 7DCM, 7DCS Champion (ATC 759, 168 built) had the dorsal fin and larger tail. 7DCM was the Farm Wagon (with wood-lined cargo bin); the 7DCS / S7DC was the float version with a ventral fin. They were priced $2,510-2,665.
The military version first ordered by the U.S. Army was the L-16A with 85 hp Continental C85-12 engine. 509 were delivered; 47-788 to 47-1296, of which 376 were initially slated for National Guard units, and were been followed by 100 L-16B’s, 48-424 to 48-523, with 90h.p. Continental C-90-12F engines and dorsal fin. All are two-seaters for observation and liaison.
The 7EC, 7ECS Champion (ATC 759) of 1949 was the first Aeronca to offer a starter and generator. The 7ECS (or S7EC) was float version. Priced at $2,695 this became the Champion 7EC in 1955.This design appeared liberally modified in the 1958 Hindustan Aeronautics HAL-26 Pushpak 90hp trainer.
The Champion Tri Traveller two seat touring aircraft was developed from the Aeronca Model 7 Champion in 1955. In production were the 90 hp Model 7EC Traveller with a tailwheel undercarriage and the 7FC Tri Traveller with a nosewheel undercarriage. In 1959 the company delivered 274 aircraft. All up weight of the Tri Traveller is 1,500 lb, and it cruises at 108 mph over a range of 560 miles. One 7FC Champion protoype was built in 1949.
A three-seat version of the Tri-Traveller with a 140 hp Lycoming O-290-D2B engine was designated 7GC Sky-Trac.
Production began in February 1957 and continued with minor refinements until 1964 when production tapered off in favor of the 7ECA, a further improved version of the original airframe. The tri gear 7FC followed the 7EC, both followed by the aerobatic Citabria which continued in production in 1988.
The Champion Aircraft Corp was formed in 1954 to manufacture the former Aeronca 7EC Champion which was produced by Aeronca until 1950. The first Champion-built 7EC Traveller was completed in February 1955, and the 7GCB, is basically similar but has an increased wingspan, more powerful engine and high-lift flaps. A three-seat version, the 7GC Sky-Trac (140 hp Lycoming O-290-D2B), was ntroduced in 1958.
The Citabria versions of the post-war Aeronca 7AC Champion were introduced in 1964 by Champion Aircraft.
From the manufacturing line at Bellanca’s Osceola, Wisconsin plant. The Champion Model 8KCAB Decathlon is a close cousin to the Bellanca Citabria, the principle difference being its symmetrical NACA 1412 wing section, 2.5 foot shorter span, reinforced front spar, stronger, more closely spaced ribs and constant speed prop. Both planes come with 150 hp Lycoming IO 320 engines capable of prolonged inverted flight. The Citabria is approved for + 5 Gs and 2 Gs.
In 1968 Champion Aircraft Corp. came out with a 200-hp single-seat open cockpit version of its popular Citabria aerobatic two-seater for the pilot who wanted better aerobatic capability, but found no customers.
In 1970 production was taken over by Bellanca Aircraft.
When ACA acquired the type certificate and restarted production in 1994 of the 7ECA, 7GCAA, and 7GCBC (using the Aurora, Adventure and Explorer names) they used a new metal spar wing with a 100 pound gross weight increase to 1750 pounds for the 7ECA and 7GCAA and a 150 pound increase to 1800 pounds for the slightly longer spanned and flap equipped 7GCBC.
The 1994 7GCBC Citabria Explorer sold for $69,900 base (1998), $78,900 base (2000). Thirty-eight were sold by the end of 1997.
The 1995 7ECA Citabria Aurora (ATC 759) with electrical system sold for $59,900 base (1998), $66,950 base (2000). Eleven were sold by the end of 1997.
The 1997 7GCAA Citabria Adventure sold for $66,900 base (1998), $75,900 base (2000). Three were sold by the end of 1997.
The Citabria Pro, designated Model 8KCAB, was specifically designed for advanced sportsman aerobatic competition. The Pro utilises the bottom truss structure and tail of the akro Citabria, but from there on is new. The wing is built up with a wood spar, aluminium ribs, and fibreglass tips, all fabric covered. The Airfoil is NACA 1412. There is a 20 USG tank located in each side, plus a header tank in the fuselage. The fuselage employs a tubular structure with an aluminium top forward section, the entire body is also Ceconite covered, then painted with Durepox. Nose is of fibreglass. The Citabria Pro is classed as an unlimited aerobatic aircraft with G limits of +6 and -5.
Many older Citabrias have been updated with the new metal spar wings and have received the same gross weight increase.
7AC / L-16
1944 (ATC 759)
Engine: Continental C-65-8, 65 hp:
Wing span: 35 ft 2 in
Length: 21 ft 6 in
Gross weight: 1220lb
Empty weight: 740lb
Payload: 510 lb
Fuel capacity: 13 USG
Max speed: 95 mph
Cruise speed: 85 mph
Initial climb rate: 370 fpm
Stall speed: 38 mph
Range: 250 nm
Takeoff distance, 50 ft: 632 ft
Service ceiling: 12,500 ft
Landing distance, 50 ft: 885 ft
Seats: 2
Price 1944: US$2,095
Price 1947: US$2,395
Engine: Continental, 85 hp
Gross weight: 1300lb
Empty weight: 810lb
Fuel capacity: 18.5 USG
Top speed: 102 mph
Cruise speed: 92 mph
Stall speed: 44 mph
Initial climb rate: 750 fpm
Range: 315 nm
Seats: 2
7AC
Engine: Continental A65-8, 65 hp
Wing span: 37 ft 6 in/ 11.43 m
Length: 25 ft 3 in / 7.7 m
Height: 7 ft / 2.13 m
Empty weight: 1150 lb / 522 kg
Gross weight: 2050 lb / 930 kg
Max speed: 129 mph / 208 kph
Max range: 450 mi / 724 km
Service ceiling: 12,400 ft / 3780 m
Bellanca 7ACA Champ
Engine: Franklin 2A-120-B, 60 hp
Wingspan: 35 ft 1.5 in / 10.71 m
Length: 21 ft 9.5 in / 6.64 m
Empty weight: 750 lb / 340 kg
MTOW: 1220 lb / 553 kg
Cruise 75% pwr: 72 kt / 83 mph / 133 kph
Max ROC SL: 400 fpm / 122 m/min
Range max fuel: 260 nm / 300 mi / 483 km
Seating: 2 tandem
Baggage: 40 lb / 18 kg
7ACS / S7AC Champion
1944 (ATC 759) floatplane version
Engine: Continental C-65-8, 65hp
Wing span: 35 ft 2 in
Length: 21 ft 6 in
Payload: 510 lb
Max speed: 95 mph
Cruise speed: 85 mph
Stall speed: 38 mph
7BCM Champion
1947 (ATC 759)
Engine: Continental C-85-8, 85hp
L-16A
Engine: Continental O-190-1, 85hp
Span: 35 ft. 2 in
Weight; 1,450 lb.
Speed: 110 m.p.h.
Number built: 509 [47-788/1296], of which 376 were initially slated for National Guard units.
7CCM Champion
1948 (ATC 759)
Engine: Continental C-90-8F, 90hp
7DC Champion, 7DCM Farm Wagon
1948 (ATC 759)
Engine: Continental C-85-8F, 85hp
Payload: 491 lb
Max speed: 108 mph
Cruise speed: 95 mph
Stall speed: 42 mph
Price: US$2,510-2,665
L-16B
Engine: Continental O-205-1, 90hp.
Number built: 100 (48-424/523)
L-16B
Engine: Continental C90-12F, 90hp.
Wing span: 35 ft 2 in
Wing area: 170.22 ft
Length: 21 ft 6 in
Height: 7 ft
Empty weight: 890 lb
Loaded weight: 1450 lb
Max speed: 110 mph
Cruise: 90 mph
ROC: 800 fpm
Range: 350 mph
Seats: 2
S7DC / 7DCS Champion
1948 (ATC 759)
Engine: Continental C-85-8F, 85hp
Payload: 491 lb
Max speed: 108 mph
Cruise speed: 95 mph
Stall speed: 42 mph
Price: US$2,510-2,665
Float version with a ventral fin.
7EC, 7ECS Champion
1949 (ATC 759)
Engine: Continental C-90-12F, 90hp
Gross weight: 1450 lb
Empty weight: 820 lb
Payload: 560 lb
Fuel capacity: 18.5–24 USG
Max speed: 110 mph
Cruise speed: 100 mph
Initial climb rate: 315 fpm
Stall speed: 45 mph
Range: 290 nm
Seats: 2
Undercarriage: fixed, tail wheel
The 7ECS / S7EC was the float version. Became the Champion 7EC in 1955.
7ECA Aurora
Engine: 1 x Lycoming O-235-C1, 115 hp.
Seats: 2.
Wing loading: 10 lb/sq.ft.
Pwr loading: 14.3 lb/hp.
Gross wt: 1650 lb.
Empty wt: 1067 lb.
Equipped useful load: 553 lb.
Payload max fuel: 343 lb.
Range max fuel/75% pwr: 399nm/3.7hr.
Range max fuel / 55% pwr: 600 nm/ 6.3 hr.
Service ceiling: 12,000 ft.
75% cruise: 107 kt.
Cruise 65%: 114 mph.
Endurance 65%: 5.6 hr.
55% cruise: 96 kt.
Stall, clean: 36 kt.
1.3 Vso: 57 kt.
ROC: 725 fpm.
Min field length: 890 ft.
Fuel cap: 210 lb.
1995 ACA 7ECA Citabria Aurora
Engine: 118hp Lycoming O-235-K2C
Wingspan: 33’6″
Length: 22’9″
Useful load: 224 lb
Max speed: 121 mph
Cruise: 116 mph
Stall: 50 mph
Range: 556 mi
Ceiling: 13,000′
Seats: 2
Champion 7FC Tri-Traveller
Engine: 95 hp Continental C90-12F
Wingspan: 33 ft 5 in
Length: 21 ft 8 in
Height: 8 ft 8 in
Wing area: 165 sq.ft
Empty weight: 968 lb
Max loaded weight: 1450 lb
Max speed: 135 mph
Cruise: 75%: 108 mph
ROC: 900 fpm
Range econ cruise: 500 mi
Service ceiling: 12,000 ft
1997 ACA 7GCAA Citabria Adventure
Engine: 160hp Lycoming O-320-B2B
Length: 22’2″
Useful load: 450 lb
Max speed: 140 mph
Cruise: 135 mph
Stall: 50 mph
Ceiling: 17,000′
Champion 7GCB Challenger
Engine: 150 hp Lycoming O-320-A2B
Wingspan:34 ft 5.5 in
Length: 22 ft 1 in
Height: 6 ft 10.5 in
Wing area: 170.22 sq.ft
Empty weight: 1050 lb
Normal loaded weight: 1650 lb
MTOW: 2325 lb
Max speed: 125 mph
Cruise 75%: 115 mph at 8000 ft
ROC: 1145 fpm
Service ceiling: 17,500 ft
Max range: 630 mi
1994 ACA 7GCBC Citabria Explorer
Engine: 160hp O320-B2B
Length: 22’2″
Useful load: 550 lb
Max speed: 132 mph
Cruise: 128 mph
Stall: 46 mph
Range: 385 mi
Ceiling: 15,500′
7FC Champion
1949
Engine: Continental C-90-12F, 90hp
Tricycle gear version of 7EC: 1 prototype.
7FC Tri-Traveller
Engine: Continental C90 12F, 95 hp.
Undercarriage: fixed, nose wheel.
MAUW: 1500 lb.
Cruise: 108 mph.
Range: 560 miles.
Champion 7GCAA
Engine: Lycoming O-320-A2B, 150 hp
Wingspan: 33 ft 5 in / 10.19 m
Length: 22 ft 8 in / 6.91 m
Empty weight: 1037 lb / 470 kg
MTOW: 1650 lb / 748 kg
Max cruise75% 8000 ft /2440m: 109 kt / 125 mph / 201 kph
Max ROC SL: 1120 fpm / 341 m/min
Service ceiling: 17,000 ft / 5180 m
Range max cruise 39 USG fuel: 465 nm / 537 mi /865 km
Seats: 2 tandem
Baggage capacity: 110 lb /45 kg
7GCAA Adventurer
Engine: 1 x Lycoming O-320-A2D, 150 hp.
Seats: 2.
Wing loading: 10 lb/sq.ft.
Pwr loading: 11 lb/hp.
Gross wt: 1650 lb.
Empty wt: 1120 lb.
Equipped useful load: 500 lb.
Payload max fuel: 290 lb.
Range max fuel/75% pwr: 381nm/3.4hr.
Range max fuel / 55% pwr: 494 nm/ 4.8 hr.
Service ceiling: 17,000 ft.
75% cruise: 112 kt.
55% cruise: 104 kt.
Stall, clean: 36 kt.
1.3 Vso: 57 kt.
ROC: 1120 fpm.
Min field length: 755 ft.
Fuel cap: 210 lb.
1997 7GCAA American Champion Adventure
Engine: Lycoming O-320-B2B, 160 @ 2700 @ SL
TBO hours: 2000
Fuel type: 100LL
Propeller: Sensenich Fixed
Max ramp weight (lbs.): 1650
Max landing weight (lbs.): 1650
Gross weight (lbs.): 1650
Empty weight, std. (lbs.): 1170
Useful load, std. (lbs.): 480
Payload, full std. fuel (lbs.): 270
Usable fuel, std. (USgals.): 35
Oil capacity (qts.): 8
Wingspan: 33 ft. 5 in.
Overall length: 22 ft. 1 in.
Height: 6 ft. 10 in.
Wing area (sq. ft.): 165
Wing loading (lbs/sq. ft.): 10
Power loading (lbs/hp.): 10.3
Wheel track (in.): 78
Wheel size (in.): 6.00 x 6
Seating capacity: 2
Cabin doors: 1
Cabin width (in.): 29
Cabin height (in.): 48
Baggage capacity (lbs.):100
Max level speed (knots): 120
Cruise speed (kts) 75% power: 115
Cruise speed (kts) 65% power 111
Cruise speed (kts) 55% power 102
Max range (with reserve) (nm) 75% power: 414
Max range (with reserve) (nm) 65% power: 445
Max range (with reserve) (nm) 55% power: 530
Fuel consumption (USgph) 75% power: 8.5
Fuel consumption (USgph) 65% power: 7.6
Fuel consumption (USgph) 55% power: 6.1
Stall speed (kts.): 47.5
Best rate of climb (fpm): 1270
Service ceiling (ft.): 17,000
Takeoff ground roll (ft.): 360
Landing ground roll (ft.): 400
7GCB Challenger
7GCBA Agricultural
7GCBC Citabria
Engine: 1 x Lycoming O-320-A2D, 150 hp.
Seats: 2.
Wing loading: 9.7 lb/sq.ft.
Pwr loading: 11 lb/hp.
Gross wt: 1650 lb.
Empty wt: 1150 lb.
Equipped useful load: 470 lb.
Payload max fuel: 260 lb.
Range max fuel/75% pwr: 378nm/3.4hr.
Range max fuel / 55% pwr: 489 nm/ 4.8 hr.
Service ceiling: 17,000 ft.
75% cruise: 111 kt.
55% cruise: 103 kt.
Stall: 30-35 kt.
1.3 Vso: 39 kt.
ROC: 1145 fpm.
Min field length: 567 ft.
Fuel cap: 210 lb.
7HC DX
Bellanca Citabria 7KCAB
Engine: 1 x Lycoming IO-320-E2B, 150 hp.
Seats: 2.
Wing loading: 10 lb/sq.ft.
Pwr loading: 11 lb/hp.
Gross wt: 1650 lb.
Empty wt: 1140 lb.
Equipped useful load: 480 lb.
Payload max fuel: 270 lb.
Range max fuel/75% pwr: 381 nm/3.4 hr.
Range max fuel / 55% pwr: 494 nm/ 4.8 hr.
Service ceiling: 17,000 ft.
75% cruise: 112 kt.
55% cruise: 104 kt.
Stall: 36 kt.
1.3 Vso: 47 kt.
ROC: 1120 fpm.
Min field length: 755 ft.
Fuel cap: 210 lb.
Undercarriage: fixed tailwheel.
The 1942 model 6 was planned as a metal-framed replacement for the KCA Chief. Development cut off by the war and it was reportedly cut up for scrap. Only one was built (NX34484).
Engine: Continental C-75, 75hp
Wing span: 35 ft 0 in
Length: 22 ft 8 in
In turn, the K evolved into the SOC Chief in 1938.
The SOC Chief of 1938 was powered by 50-hp Franklin or Lycoming engine options.
The Aeronca C-3 evolved into the Aeronca K Scout (ATC 634) in 1937, designed by Roger Schlemmer, the prototype being NX17440. A total of 344 were built, priced at $1,480, and $1,745 in 1938.
The 1937 KC Scout (ATC 655) sold for $1,590, and $1,295 in 1939. Thirty-four were built, and the float version was the two-door KC Sea Scout.
The 1938 KCA Chief (ATC 675) was priced at $1,695, and with65hp, $1,795. Sixty-two were built, the KCA evolving into the wide-cabin 50C Chief.
The model 50C Chief was the first lightplane to fly non-stop from Los Angeles to New York City, on 19-39 November 1938, covering 2,785 miles in 30h 47m, avg: 90mph (registration NX21300 and piloted by Johnnie Jones).
The 1941 L-3 and O-58 Grasshopper was the military version of 65 with a greenhouse cabin and 65hp Continental YO/O-170-3. There were fifty-four; 42-456 to 42-459, and 43-2809 to 42-2858. These were followed by twenty L-3A (O-58A), 42-7793 to 42-7812, and 875 L-3B (O-58B), 42-14713 to 4214797, 42-36075 to 42-36324, 42-38458 to 42-38497, and 43-26754 to 43-27253.
The L-3C had no radio and weight reduction. 490 were built, three to the US Navy as XLNR-1; 36422 to 36424.
Others were;
L-3D = Impressed 65TF with Franklin AC-167. POP: 11.
L-3E = Impressed 65TC with Continental A-65-8. POP: 12.
L-3F = Impressed Super Chief with A-65-8. POP: 19 including 42-78044
L-3G = Impressed Super Chief with Lycoming O-145-B1. POP: 4.
L-3H = Impressed 65TL with O-145-B1. POP: 1.
L-3J = Impressed 65TC with A-65-7. POP: 1.
The original model, the YO-58, was a conversion of the civil 65TAC Defender. Production models were the O-58, O-58A and O-59B, later designated L-3, L-3A and L-3B in 1942. L-3D to -3J were impressed by USAAF.
The O-58B differs primarily in having a more extensively glazed cabin.
Performance and specifications were similar to the civil models.
The difference between the 1938 L and LA Chief models (ATC 702) was that the 50L Lycoming O-145 had exposed cylinders, while the 50LA had a closed cowling. Priced at $1,695, there were 65 50L and 20 50LA models built, some for the USAAF as the L-3.
The 50C Chief of 1938 (ATC 675) was an improved KCA with a wider cabin. Priced at $1,795; $1,695 in 1939, 248 were sold. A 50C was the first lightplane to fly non-stop Los Angeles-New York City, on 29-30 November 1938, covered 2,785 miles in 30h:47m, avg: 90mph. NX21300 piloted by Johnnie Jones had a fuel cost-per-mile of about one cent was most impressive, even in 1938 dollars.
Forty of the 1938 50F Chief (ATC 688) were built, powered by a 50hp Franklin 4AC engine.
The 1938 KF Chief (ATC 688) was powered by a 50hp Franklin 4AC engine. Selling for $1,595, five were built, including; NC21067, NC21063, and NC21092. The KF Chief evolved into 50F Chief.
The 1938 KM Chief (ATC 676) was powered by a 50hp Menasco M-50 engine. Priced at $1,590, nine were built. The KM Chief evolved into the one 50M Chief built, NC21070.
The 1937 KS Sea Scout (ATC 634) was a floatplane version of the model K; thirteen were built.
The 50TC and 50TL Tandem (T-series) of 1939 were the first tandem Aeronca as competition for the Piper Cub. A total of 16 were built.
In turn, the K evolved into the SOC Chief in 1938.
The 1940 60TF Tandem (ATC 728) was the same as 50TC, with 60hp Franklin and slightly increased performance. 60TL with 60hp Lycoming. Priced at $1,695, 118 were built, going to USAAF as O-58B with 65hp Continental A-65.
In 1939, the 65-series appeared and featured the 65 hp Continental option. The 65TC Defender (112 built), a tandem two-seat trainer, was widely used throughout the war, particularly in the Civilian Pilot Training Program. The CPTP and CAP versions were the 65TAC of which 154 were built. The Model L-3, the military version of the same airplane, featured a wider fuselage and larger window area to facilitate its role as an observation plane. Although provided with dual controls, the L-3 was designed to be flown from the front seat. The observer’s seat might face forward or aft. Many of the planes reached civilian hands after World War II.
The 1938 65C Chief and 65CA Super Chief (ATC 675) differed by the 65CA having an optional 8-USG auxiliary fuel tank and other deluxe appointments. The 65C price was US$1,795, and the 65CA US$1,895. Of the 279 model 65C built, many were impressed by USAAF as the O-58/L-3 in 1942. A total of 655 65CA models were built.
87 of the 1939 65LA Chief and 199 of the 65LB Super Chief (ATC 702) model were built. The 65LB with 65hp Lycoming O-145 in 1940.
One 50M Chief was built, 1938 (ATC 676), NC21070, priced at $1,695.
65TAF (ATC 728) was CPTP and CAP versions of the 65TF with 59 of the 65TF built, and 115 of the 65TAF during 1940.
The 65TF Tandem and 65TAF Defender of 1940 were powered by 65hp Franklin 4AC engines. Fifty-nine 65TF were built and 115 of the 65TAF CPTP and CAP versions.
299 of the 1940 65TL Tandem and 65TAL Defender (ATC 728) were built plus military versions: 4 YO-58, 20 O-58, 701 L-3B, and 499 L-3C, plus 253 TG-5 gliders to AAF. The 65TAL was CPTP and CAP version with 100 built.
Aeronca L-3 Raggedy Ann 1983 Article
The 1939 models 50TC and 50TL Tandem (ATC 728) designed by James Weagle were the first tandem Aeronca, as competition for the Piper Cub. Sixteen 50TC (50hp Continental) were built, and 33 TL with the 50hp Lycoming engine.
K
1937
Engine: Aeronca E-113C, 36 hp
Gross weight: 1040lb
Empty weight: 590lb
Fuel capacity: 10 USG
Top speed: 80 mph
Cruise speed: 70 mph
Stall speed: 35 mph
Initial climb rate: 400 fpm
Service ceiling: 12,500 ft
Range: 175 nm
Seats: 2
Engine: Aeronca E-113C, 42hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 20 ft 7 in
Payload: 450 lb
Max speed: 93 mph
Cruise speed: 85
Stall speed: 38 mph
Range: 255 nm
Price 1937: US$1,480
Price 1938: US$1,745
Seats: 2
Number built: 344
KC Scout
1937
Engine: Continental A-40, 40hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 20 ft 7 in
Payload: 452 lb
Max speed: 93 mph
Cruise speed: 85
Stall speed: 35 mph
Range: 225 nm
Price 1937: US$1,590
Price 1939: US$1,295
Number built: 34
Float version was the two-door KC Sea Scout
KCA Chief
1938
Engine: Continental A-50, 50hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 21 ft 1 in
Payload: 450 lb
Max speed: 100 mph
Cruise speed: 90
Stall speed: 35 mph
Range: 250 nm
Price std: US$1,695
Price, 65hp: US$1,795
Number built: 62
Seats: 2
Evolved into the wide-cabin 50C Chief
KF Chief
1938
Engine: Franklin 4AC, 50hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 20 ft 7 in
Payload: 452 lb
Max speed: 100 mph
Cruise speed: 90
Stall speed: 35 mph
Range: 225 nm
Price: US$1,595
Number built: 5
Seats: 2
Evolved into 50F Chief
KM Chief
1938
Engine: Menasco M-50, 50hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 20 ft 7 in
Payload: 452 lb
Max speed: 100 mph
Cruise speed: 90
Stall speed: 35 mph
Range: 250 nm
Seats: 2
Price: US$1,590
Number built: 9
Evolved into 50M Chief
KS Sea Scout
1937
Engine: Continental A-40, 40hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 20 ft 7 in
Seats: 2
Number built: 13
A float version of the KC model
50C Chief
1938 (ATC 675)
Engine: Continental A-50, 50hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 21 ft 1 in
Payload: 460 lb
Max speed: 100 mph
Cruise speed: 90 mph
Stall speed: 36 mph
Range: 270 nm
Seats: 2
Number built: 248
Price 1938: US$1,795
Price 1939: US$1,695
Improved KCA with a wider cabin.
50F Chief
1938 (ATC 688)
Engine: Franklin 4AC, 50hp.
Number built: 40
50L, 50LA Chief / L-3
1938 (ATC 702)
Engine: Lycoming O-145, 50hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 21 ft 1 in
Payload: 460 lb
Max speed: 95 mph
Cruise speed: 88 mph
Stall speed: 35 mph
Range: 275 nm
Price: US$1,695
50M Chief
1938 (ATC 676)
Engine: Menasco M-50, 50hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 21 ft 0 in
Payload: 460 lb
Max speed: 100 mph
Cruise speed: 90 mph
Stall speed: 36 mph
Range: 250 nm
Price: US$1,695
50TC Tandem
1939 (ATC 728)
Engine: Continental, 50hp
Wing span: 35 ft 0 in
Length: 22 ft 4 in
Seats: 2
50TL Tandem
1939 (ATC 728)
Engine: Lycoming, 50hp
Wing span: 35 ft 0 in
Length: 22 ft 4 in
Seats: 2
60TF, 60TL Tandem, O-58B
1940 (ATC 728)
Gross weight: 1260 lb
Empty weight: 793lb
Fuel capacity: 12 USG
Top speed: 95 mph
Cruise speed: 87 mph
Landing speed: 42 mph
Range: 25 nm
Initial climb rate: 450 fpm
Service ceiling: 10,000 ft
Number built: 118
60TF Tandem
Engine: Franklin, 60hp
Wing span: 35 ft 0 in
Length: 22 ft 4 in
Seats: 2
Gross weight: 1260 lb
Empty weight: 793lb
Fuel capacity: 12 USG
Top speed: 95 mph
Cruise speed: 87 mph
Landing speed: 42 mph
Range: 25 nm
Initial climb rate: 450 fpm
Service ceiling: 10,000 ft
60TL Tandem
Engine: Lycoming, 60hp
Wing span: 35 ft 0 in
Length: 22 ft 4 in
Seats: 2
Gross weight: 1260 lb
Empty weight: 793lb
Fuel capacity: 12 USG
Top speed: 95 mph
Cruise speed: 87 mph
Landing speed: 42 mph
Range: 25 nm
Initial climb rate: 450 fpm
Service ceiling: 10,000 ft
O-58B
Engine: Continental A-65, 65 hp
Wing span: 35 ft 0 in
Length: 22 ft 4 in
Seats: 2
Gross weight: 1260 lb
Empty weight: 793lb
Fuel capacity: 12 USG
Top speed: 95 mph
Cruise speed: 87 mph
Landing speed: 42 mph
Range: 25 nm
Initial climb rate: 450 fpm
Service ceiling: 10,000 ft
65TC / 65TAC Defender
1940 (ATC 728)
Engine: Continental A-65, 65 hp
Wing span: 35 ft 0 in
Length: 22 ft 4 in
Gross weight: 1260lb
Empty weight: 793lb
Payload: 423 lb
Fuel capacity: 12 USG
Top speed: 94 mph
Cruise speed: 80 mph
Stall speed: 35 mph
Range: 225 nm
Initial climb rate: 450 fpm
Service ceiling: 10,000 ft
Seats: 2
Price: US$1,695
L-3J
Engine: Continental A-65-7, 65 hp
One impressed 65TC
L-3E
Engine: Continental A-65-8, 65
Twelve impressed 65TC
65C Chief, 65CA Super Chief
1938 (ATC 675)
Engine: Continental A-65, 65hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 21 ft 0 in
Payload: 480 lb
Max speed: 105 mph
Cruise speed: 95 mph
Stall speed: 37 mph
Range: 260 nm
Seats: 2 side-by-side
L-3F
Engine: Continental A-65-8, 65 hp
Ninteen impressed Super Chief
65LA Chief
1939 (ATC 702)
Engine: Lycoming, 65hp
65LB Super Chief
1940 (ATC 702)
Engine: Lycoming O-145, 65hp
L-3G
Engine: Lycoming O-145-B1, 65 hp
Four impressed Super Chief
65TF Tandem, 65TAF Defender
1940 (ATC 728)
Engine: Franklin 4AC, 65hp
L-3D
Engine: Franklin AC-167, 65 hp
Eleven impressed 65TF
65TL Tandem / 65TAL Defender / O-58 / L-3C
1940 (ATC 728)
Engine: Lycoming O-145-B1, 65hp
L-3H
Engine: Lycoming O-145-B1, 65hp
One impressed 65TL
L-3C
No radio, weight reduction. 490 built; additionally 253 built as TG-5 gliders
TG-5 / XLNR-1
65TL Tandem / 65TAL Defender Army Air Force glider version.
Number built: 253
3 transferred to USN as XLNR-1 (36422/36424).
L-3 (O/YO-58)
Engine: Continental O-170-3, 65 hp
Length: 20.997 ft / 6.4 m
Height: 7.677 ft / 2.34 m
Wingspan: 35.07 ft / 10.67 m
Wing area: 158.016 sq.ft / 14.680 sq.m
MTOW: 1301.0 lb / 590.0 kg
Weight empty: 835.7 lb / 379.0 kg
Max speed: 76 kts / 140 km/h
Cruising speed: 40 kts / 74 km/h
Service ceiling: 10007 ft / 3050 m
Wing load: 8.2 lb/sq.ft / 40.0 kg/sq.m
Range: 174 nm / 322 km
Number built: 54 (42-456/459, 43-2809/2858).
L-3A (O-58A)
Number built: 20 (42-7793/7812)
L-3B (O-58B)
Engine: Continental O-170-3, 65 hp
Wing span: 35 ft
Length: 21 ft 10 in
Empty weight: 835 lb
Loaded weight: 1260 lb
Max speed: 87 mph
Cruise: 79 mph
Range: 218 mph
Number built: 875 (42-14713/14797, -36075/36324, -38458/38497, 43-26754/27253 )
The 1935 Aeronca L cabin monoplane was the Aeronautical Corporation of America’s first attempt at constructing a low-wing side-by-side cabin airplane. It was produced in four versions: the LA with a 70-hp Le Blond, first flying in November 1935 and piloted by Fred Fluck, the LB (28 built ATC 596) of 1936 using an 85-hp LeBlond or 70hp Rearwin-LeBlond, the LC (25 built in 1937) using a 90-hp Warner Scarab Junior, and the LD powered by a 90-hp Lambert.
The 1936 LC (ATC 614) was the company’s first departure from its high-wings. The first was powered by a 50hp Warner engine, subsequent one had a 90hp Warner Jr, priced at $3,275. One was the float-equipped LCS NC16289.
The prototype LW (NX14558) with 42hp Aeronca L-113, was so underpowered it only made one short flight.
The airframe of the Model L is of conventional mixed construction. The wings were built around a structure of spruce spars and ribs. The fuselage was a framework of welded steel tubing. Both the fuselage and the wings were covered with fabric.
Thirteen of the 1935 LA and LW model (ATC 596) were built, selling for about US$2750 and the LB sold for US$3000. The LA, designed by Giles Barton and Roger Schlemmer (who did the L series), was first flown in November 1935, piloted by Fred Fluck. The prototype LW NX14558 was powered by a 42hp Aeronca L-113, which was so underpowered it only made one short flight.
About 25 of the 1936, $3,275 LC model were built, of which one was the float-equipped LCS (NC16289). The prototype LC was first equipped with a 50hp Warner engine.
LA / LW
Engine: LeBlond 5DE, 70hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 22 ft 6 in
Gross weight: 1,680 lb
Empty weight: 1,036 lb
Pay load: 644 lb
Max speed: 115 mph
Cruise speed: 100 lb
Stall speed: 48 mph
Initial climb rate: 500 fpm
Range: 500 sm
Seats: 2
LB
Engine: LeBlond 5DF, 90hp or Rearwin-LeBlond, 70hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Payload: 669 lb
Max speed: 120 mph
Cruise speed: 105 mph
Stall speed: 48 mph
Range: 500 sm
Seats: 2
LC
Engine: Warner Jr, 90hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 22 ft 4 in
Payload: 646 lb
Max speed: 123 mph
Cruise speed: 108 mph
Stall speed: 45 mph
Range: 535 sm
Seats: 2
LCS
Engine: Warner Jr, 90hp
Wing span: 36 ft 0 in
Length: 22 ft 4 in
Payload: 659 lb
Max speed: 116 mph
Cruise speed: 100 mph
Stall speed: 48 mph
Range: 450 sm
Seats: 2
The CF Scout of 1936 was the same as the KC Scout, but with a 40hp Franklin 4AC engine.
Six were built; the prototype NX21355 c/n CF-1, NX22157, NC22196, NC22304, NC22391, and NC23528.
Engine: Franklin 4AC, 40hp
Max speed: 90 mph
Cruise speed: 85 mph
Stall speed: 38 mph
Range: 250 sm
First produced in 1938, a single-engine two-seat (tandem) high-wing monoplane with conventional tailwheel landing gear – soloed from rear seat – precursor to the 7 Champion.
