American Champion Aircraft Super Decathlon 8KCAB

Overview

• The Super Decathlon, now back in production at American Champion, has shorter wings than the company's Citabrias, and that increases roll rate — about 180 degrees per second. Spades on the ailerons act like power steering on a car, using scoops to catch and take advantage of relative wind. Other advantages of the Decathlon include a semisymmetrical wing that is curved on top and bottom to improve inverted flight capabilities, and inverted oil and fuel systems that allow the Decathlon to fly upside down for two minutes. The Decathlon is the next step up from simple positive-G aerobatic airplanes like the Aerobat or the Citabria. It has what country and western stars call crossover, the ability to please more than one crowd at a time. It can be a trainer and Sunday fun airplane, or it can do serious airshow work. Patty Wagstaff is among the many pilots who have thrilled crowds using a Decathlon.

  Super Decathlon

  Super Decathlon Fact Sheet

  Super Decathlon Ramp Appeal

Specifications

• Powerplant

  Lycoming AEIO-360-H1B, 180 hp

• Propellers

  MT Composite MTV-15-B-C/C188-34, constant speed

• Length

  22 ft 11 in

• Height

  7 ft 8 in

• Wingspan

  32 ft

• Wing Area

  169 sq ft

• Wing loading

  11.5 lb/sq ft

• Power loading

  10 lb/hp

• Cabin Width

  2 ft 6 in

• Empty Weight

  1,305 lb

• Maximum gross weight

  1,950 lb

• Useful load

  645 lb

• Payload with full fuel

  405 lb

• Fuel capacity

  43 gal

• Baggage capacity

  100 lb

Performance

• Takeoff distance ground roll

  580 ft

• Takeoff distance over 50-ft obstacle

  1,061 ft

• Rate of climb sea level

  1,130 fpm

• Service ceiling

  16,000 ft

• Landing distance over 50-ft obstacle

  1,126 ft

• Landing distance ground roll

  498 ft

• Cruise speed/endurance w/45-min rsv, std fuel (fuel consumption, ea engine) @ 75% power, best economy

  141 mph/3.4 hr

• Range

Limiting and Recommended Airspeeds

• V_X

  58 mph

• V_Y

  82 mph

• V_NE

  200 mph

• V_S1

  57 mph

• V_SO

For more information, contact American Champion Aircraft at or via https://www.americanchampionaircraft.com/super-decathlon

All specifications are based on manufacturer's calculations. All performance figures are based on standard day, standard atmosphere, sea level, gross weight conditions unless otherwise noted.