Photograph:
Aeronca 11BC Chief VH-HRH (c/n 11BC-109) at Wallan, VIC (David C Eyre)
Country of origin:
United States of America
Description:
Two-seat light sport and training cabin monoplane
Power Plant:
One 63 kw (85 hp) Continental C-85-85F four-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 9.14 m (30 ft)
- Length: 6.35 m (20 ft 10 in)
- Height: 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in)
- Wing area: 16.3 m² (175.5 sq ft)
- Max speed: 169 km/h (105 mph)
- Cruising speed at 80% power: 153 km/h (95 mph)
- Stalling speed: 64 km/h (40 mph)
- Initial rate of climb: 183 m/min (600 ft/min)
- Range cruising at 80% power: 531 km (330 miles)
- Ceiling: 3,292 m (10,800 ft)
- Empty weight: 329 kg (725 lb)
- Loaded weight: 567 kg (1,250 lb)
History:
The Aeronca Chief was introduced to the Aeronca Aircraft Corporation of Middleton, Ohio, USA range of aircraft in 1946 and was a development of the Model 7 Champion, varying mainly in having a wider fuselage to accommodate two persons side-by-side in lieu of in tandem. The first of the series was the 11AC with the 48 kw (65 hp) Continental C-65 engine, which was followed by the 11BC with the C-85-12 Continental of 63 kw (85 hp) engine, and the 11CC Super Chief in 1948 which had new balanced elevator surfaces.
The prototype Model 11 was first flown in 1945, but did not enter production until mid 1946. In 1947 a model known as the Scout appeared, aimed at the pilot-training market. In July 1947 the Model 11BC appeared with a larger engine, better performance, and a dorsal fin.
The 11CC appeared in November 1948, this having some airframe modifications to provide more room in the cockpit, some refinements for better handling, extra equipment, and the Continental C-85-8F engine.
About 1,500 Model 11AC and 11BC models were built, and 276 examples of the Model 11CC. In 1951 production ceased as the Company had more important commitments related to the Korean War.
In 1984 a former South African Model 11AC (ZS-ULL) was imported and, after restoration, became VH-HRH (c/n 11BC-109) based at Wedderburn, NSW. Further examples have been imported, including 11AC VH-NTE (c/n 11AC-213). A number of examples have been registered under RAA Regulations, including 11AC 24-3716 (c/n 11AC-247) and 11AC 24-3175 (c/n 11AC-213 – ex VH-NTE).