AERONCA 11AC/11CC

1938 ’€“46

Plane & Pilot
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Aeronca Chief aircraft, a post-WWII model, offered side-by-side seating, improved visibility, and interchangeable parts with the Champion model.
  • The Super Chief variant boasted an increased engine power (85 hp vs 65 hp), resulting in improved performance metrics such as higher speed and range.
  • Key performance differences between the Chief and Super Chief include cruise speed (95 mph vs 97 mph), range (240 nm vs 370 nm), and climb rate (600 fpm vs 650 fpm).
  • The original Chief (II AC) remains the most common variant in existence.
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STANDARD DATA: (Chief) Seats: 2. Gross weight (lbs.): 1155. Empty weight (lbs.): 675. Fuel capacity (gals.): 12. Engine: 65 hp Lycoming.
PERFORMANCE: Top speed (mph): 105. Cruise speed (mph): 95. Stall speed (mph): 37. Initial climb rate (fpm): 600. Service ceiling (ft.): 14,000. Range (nm): 240.

STANDARD DATA: (Super Chief) Seats: 2. Gross weight (lbs.): 1350. Empty weight (lbs.): 820. Fuel capacity (gals.): 23. Engine: 85 hp Continental.
PERFORMANCE: Top speed (mph): 110. Cruise speed (mph): 97. Stall speed (mph): 43. Initial climb rate (fpm): 650. Service ceiling (ft.): 14,500. Range (nm): 370. Takeoff distance, 50 ft. (ft.): 620. Landing distance, 50 ft. (ft.): 860.

After World War II, the Chief was introduced as the Model II AC. 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 to permit 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. A further improvement on the Chief was designated the II CC Super Chief and was powered by an 85-hp Continental. 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 Chief is the version that is still present in the greatest numbers.

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