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N9931Y
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1963 Champion 402 C/N 9Discuss this aircraft in forum |
by Mark Pasqualino @ FD04
by Mark Pasqualino @ FD04
by Mark Pasqualino @ FD04
by Mark Pasqualino @ FD04
| Manufacturer: | Champion |
| Model: | 402 Search all Champion 402 |
| Year built: | 1963 |
| Construction Number (C/N): | 9 |
| Aircraft Type: | Fixed wing multi engine |
| Number of Seats: | 2 |
| Number of Engines: | 2 |
| Engine Type: | Reciprocating |
| Engine Manufacturer and Model: | Cont Motor 0-200 SERIES |
| Registration Number: | N9931Y |
| Mode S (ICAO24) Code: | ADE05A |
| Certification Class: | Standard |
| Certification Issued: | 2001-04-16 |
| Air Worthiness Test: | 1963-04-20 |
| Last Action Taken: | 2007-04-17 |
| Current Status: | Valid |
| Registration Type: | Individual |
| Address: | Union Springs, AL 36089 United States |
| Region: | Southern |
| Wing Loading: | 14.39 lb. Hp. (by Doug Robertson on 2007-02-27 00:00:00) |
| Wing Area: | 170.22 sq. ft. (by Doug Robertson on 2007-02-27 00:00:00) |
| Overall Height: | 8' 1.5" (by Doug Robertson on 2007-02-27 00:00:00) |
| Overall Length: | 22' 3" (by Doug Robertson on 2007-02-27 00:00:00) |
| Wing Span: | 34' 5.75 " (by Doug Robertson on 2007-02-27 00:00:00) |
| Landing Gear Type: | Fixed tricycle gear (by Doug Robertson on 2007-02-27 00:00:00) |
| Gross Weight: | 2,450 lb. (by Doug Robertson on 2007-02-27 00:00:00) |
| Empty Weight: | 1,790 lb. (by Doug Robertson on 2007-02-27 00:00:00) |
| Cruise speed: | 115 mph @ 65% power (by Doug Robertson on 2007-02-27 00:00:00) |
| Cruise speed: | 120 mph @ 75% power (by Doug Robertson on 2007-02-27 00:00:00) |
| Max speed: | 130 mph @ 7,500' (by Doug Robertson on 2007-02-27 00:00:00) |
| Endurance: | Max range 710 miles (by Doug Robertson on 2007-02-27 00:00:00) |
| Doug Robertson, 2007-02-27 00:00:00 | |
| The Champion Lancer 402 twin engine aircraft was an attempt by Champion Aircraft of Wisconsin to build a simple to maintain low cost twin engine trainer, suitable for grass strip operations. The prototype Lancer of all metal construction with glass-fibre covering was first flown in October, 1961. Numerous changes were made to the prototype including moving the engine nacelles to the top of the wing for the production version. Production commenced in summer 1963 after FAA certification in the spring of 1963 and 36 were produced that year powered by two Continental O-200 100 horsepower engines mounted above the wings, driving fixed-pitch props. I now find 15 remaining Lancer 402s on all registers. The Lancer 402 was the lowest cost twin engine aircraft in the U.S.A when produced in 1963. The propellers were fixed pitch so engine out performance with single engine power suffered because the unpowered prop could not be feathered, resulting in great drag and yaw. Note the large tall balanced rudder. As this twin had fixed pitch props, the FAA quickly limited a multi-engine rating obtained on this aircraft to operation of this model aircraft only. This limitation was greater than anticipated by Champion and sales and instruction opportunities suffered. Champion FBO dealers showed a reluctance to purchase the Lancer 402 for multi-engine training. A corollary limitation was imposed on multi-engine ratings gained flying the Cessna 336 Skymaster and 337 Super Skymaster twins that were in-line (center-line thrust) twins. A multi-engine rating obtained on the Cessna 336 or 337 is also limited to operation of those models only as a center-line thrust rating. The center-line thrust operational skills required are not directly transferable to conventional twin engine aircraft operation, including engine-out performance and recovery. The initial climb rate of the Champion Lancer 402 was just 642 feet per minute. Ceiling was 12,000 feet. Seating for two was tandem with instructor in the rear seat with dual controls. Visibility was limited by the engine placements. Noise was remarkable. With dual braced wing struts, dual braced gear struts and long fixed gear legs there was a lot of form drag. Wheel pants were not offered. Champion stated the design was specifically tailored for operation from unprepared strips. Rarely seen, I have observed just two Lancers in Minnesota in the 1960s and one Lancer in California in the early 1970s. Summarizing, this design provided far less utility than expected, and lack of market acceptance doomed further production. Ownership of a Champion Lancer 402 as an oddity and rarity of aviation is perhaps its own reward. Its appearance does attract attention. | |