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{|{{Infobox |
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin |
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|name=Citabria |
|name=Citabria |
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|image= |
|image=Citabria_7GCBC.jpg |
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|caption=<!--image caption; if it isn't descriptive it should be left blank--> |
|caption=<!--image caption; if it isn't descriptive it should be left blank--> |
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}}{{Infobox |
}}{{Infobox aircraft type |
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|type=Light [[utility aircraft]] and |
|type=Light [[utility aircraft]] and sports plane |
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|manufacturer=[[American Champion|American Champion Aircraft]]<br>[[AviaBellanca Aircraft|Bellanca]]<br>[[Champion Aircraft]] |
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|designer=[[Champion Aircraft (Wisconsin)|Champion Aircraft]] |
|designer=[[Champion Aircraft (Wisconsin)|Champion Aircraft]] |
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|first flight=1964 |
|first flight=1964 |
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|introduced=1964 |
|introduced=1964 |
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|retired= |
|retired= |
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|status=In production<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amerchampionaircraft.com/NewSite2013/NewAircraft/NewAircraft.html |title=American Champion Aircraft |publisher=Amerchampionaircraft.com |access-date=2014-06-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817113954/http://amerchampionaircraft.com/NewSite2013/NewAircraft/NewAircraft.html |archive-date=2014-08-17 }}</ref> |
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|status= |
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|primary user= |
|primary user= |
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|more users= |
|more users= |
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|produced= 1964-present |
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|produced=<!--years in production, e.g. 1970-1999, if still in active use but no longer built--> |
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|number built=over |
|number built=over 5,238 |
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|unit cost= |
|unit cost= |
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|variants with their own articles= |
|variants with their own articles= |
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}} |
}} |
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The '''Citabria''' is a light single-engine, two-seat, fixed [[conventional gear]] [[airplane]] which entered production in the United States in 1964. Designed for [[flight training]], [[utility aircraft|utility]] |
The '''Citabria''' is a light single-engine, two-seat, fixed [[conventional gear]] [[airplane]] which entered production in the United States in 1964. Designed for [[flight training]], [[utility aircraft|utility]] and personal use, it is capable of sustaining [[aerobatic]] stresses from +5g to -2[[g-force|g]]. Its name, "airbatic" backwards, reflects this. |
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==Production history== |
==Production history== |
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The Citabria was designed and initially produced by [[Champion Aircraft |
The Citabria was designed and initially produced by [[Champion Aircraft]] Corporation, and was a derivative of designs the company had been building since acquiring the 7-series [[Aeronca Champ|Champ]] from [[Aeronca Aircraft|Aeronca]] in 1954. The model 7ECA Citabria entered production at Champion in 1964. The 7GCAA and 7GCBC variants, added in 1965, were joined by the 7KCAB in 1968. |
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In 1970, Champion was acquired by [[AviaBellanca Aircraft|Bellanca Aircraft Corporation]], which continued production of all of the Champion-designed variants. Bellanca introduced two designs with close connections to the Citabria: The [[8KCAB Decathlon]] and the [[8GCBC Scout]]. Production at Bellanca ended in 1980 and the company's assets were liquidated in 1982. |
In 1970, Champion was acquired by [[AviaBellanca Aircraft|Bellanca Aircraft Corporation]], which continued production of all of the Champion-designed variants. Bellanca introduced two designs with close connections to the Citabria: The [[8KCAB Decathlon]] and the [[8GCBC Scout]]. Production at Bellanca ended in 1980 and the company's assets were liquidated in 1982. |
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==Design== |
==Design== |
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The Citabria traces its lineage back to the Champ. The most noticeable external changes to the design are the Citabria's squared-off [[rudder#Aircraft rudders|rudder]] surface, |
The Citabria traces its lineage back to the Champ. The most noticeable external changes to the design are the Citabria's squared-off [[rudder#Aircraft rudders|rudder]] surface, wingtips, and rear windows. Like the Champ, the Citabria features tandem seating. The [[fuselage]] and tail surfaces are constructed of welded metal tubing. The outer shape of the fuselage is created by a combination of wooden [[former]]s and [[longeron]]s, covered with fabric. The cross-section of the metal fuselage truss is triangular, a design feature which can be traced all the way back to the earliest [[Aeronca C-2]] design of the late 1920s. |
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[[ |
[[File:Bellanca.citabria.arp.jpg|thumb|1980-built Bellanca 7ECA Citabria]] |
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The strut-braced [[wing#Artificial wings|wings]] of the Citabria are, like the fuselage and tail surfaces, fabric covered, utilizing aluminum [[rib (aircraft)|ribs]]. Most Citabrias were built with wooden [[spar (aviation)|spars]]. American Champion has been using aluminum spars in the aircraft it has produced and has, as well, made the aluminum-spar wings available for retrofit installation on older aircraft. |
The strut-braced [[wing#Artificial wings|wings]] of the Citabria are, like the fuselage and tail surfaces, fabric covered, utilizing aluminum [[rib (aircraft)|ribs]]. Most Citabrias were built with wooden [[spar (aviation)|spars]]. American Champion has been using aluminum spars in the aircraft it has produced and has, as well, made the aluminum-spar wings available for retrofit installation on older aircraft. |
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The landing gear of the Citabria is in a [[Conventional landing gear|conventional arrangement]]. The main gear legs of most Citabrias are made of spring steel, though American Champion began to use aluminum gear legs in 2004. Early Citabrias were fitted with steel tube main gear which |
The landing gear of the Citabria is in a [[Conventional landing gear|conventional arrangement]]. The main gear legs of most Citabrias are made of spring steel, though American Champion began to use aluminum gear legs in 2004. Early Citabrias were fitted witha steel tube main gear which uses an oleo strut for shock absorption. All of the variants are discussed in more detail below. |
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==Operational history== |
==Operational history== |
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[[ |
[[File:SchweizerSGS1-34C-FDUZ31.JPG|thumb|right|A Champion 7GCAA Citabria towing a [[Schweizer SGS 1-34]] sailplane]] |
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When the Citabria was introduced, it was the only airplane being commercially produced in the United States which was certified for aerobatics. |
When the Citabria was introduced, it was the only airplane being commercially produced in the United States which was certified for aerobatics. Citabrias were also popular as trainers—because of their conventional gear and their aerobatic capabilities—and as personal aircraft. They were also found in utility roles as [[bush planes]]—thanks to their [[STOL|short take off and landing (STOL)]] ability, [[aerial application|agriculture]], pipeline patrol, and as [[glider towplane]]s. Though variants of the design, and other better-suited designs have largely taken over the Citabria's utility roles, Citabrias remain popular as trainers, glider towplanes, and for personal use. |
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==Variants== |
==Variants== |
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As noted above, various versions of the Citabria have been tested and produced since 1964. These are discussed in order below. |
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===7ECA, Citabria Standard, Citabria Aurora=== |
===7ECA, Citabria Standard, Citabria Aurora=== |
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[[File:American Champion 7ECA Citabria Aurora Kyneton Vabre.jpg|thumb|7ECA at [[Kyneton, Victoria]]]] |
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Introduced in 1964, the 7ECA was the first version of the design and utilized the [[Continental O-200|Continental O-200-A]] engine of {{convert|100|hp}}. When introduced, it featured wood-spar wings and [[Oleo (shock absorber)|oleo-shock]] main gear. Within the first year of production, Champion began offering the [[Lycoming O-235|Lycoming O-235-C1]] engine of {{convert|115|hp}} as an alternative to the Continental. In 1967, Champion switched to [[spring steel]] main gear legs; by then, the Lycoming engine had become the standard. On acquiring the design, Bellanca gave this model the name Citabria "Standard" and at some point began using the {{convert|115|hp}} Lycoming O-235-K2C engine. When American Champion reintroduced the 7ECA in 1995 as the Citabria "Aurora, " the biggest change was the use of metal-spar wings; the most recent significant design change has been the switch to aluminum main gear legs in 2004. |
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Introduced in 1964, the 7ECA was the first version of the design and utilized the [[Continental O-200|Continental O-200-A]] engine of {{convert|100|hp}}. When introduced, it featured wood-spar wings and [[Oleo (shock absorber)|oleo-shock]] main gear. Within the first year of production, Champion began offering the [[Lycoming O-235|Lycoming O-235-C1]] engine of {{convert|115|hp}} as an alternative to the Continental. In 1967, Champion switched to [[spring steel]] main gear legs; by then, the Lycoming engine had become the standard. On acquiring the design, Bellanca gave this model the name Citabria "Standard" and began using the {{convert|115|hp}} Lycoming O-235-K2C engine. When American Champion reintroduced the 7ECA in 1995 as the Citabria "Aurora, " the biggest change was the use of metal-spar wings; the most recent significant design change has been the switch to aluminum main gear legs in 2004. |
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===7GCAA, Citabria "A" Package, Citabria Adventure=== |
===7GCAA, Citabria 150, Citabria "A" Package, Citabria Adventure=== |
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[[File:Bellanca 7GCAA (N2745Z).jpg|thumb|Bellanca 7GCAA]] |
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Introduced in 1965, the Champion 7GCAA, like the 7ECA, featured wood-spar wings and oleo-shock main gear. The major difference was in the engine, which in the 7GCAA was a [[Lycoming O-320|Lycoming O-320-A2B]] of {{convert|150|hp}}. Champion switched to spring steel main gear legs in 1967. Bellanca continued production of the 7GCAA as the Citabria "A" Package (a designation apparently begun by Champion), but with no significant design changes. American Champion's 7GCAA, reintroduced in 1997 as the Citabria "Adventure," is similar to earlier versions, with the exception of the metal-spar wings and the use of the Lycoming O-320-B2B engine of {{convert|160|hp}}; the most recent significant design change has been the switch to aluminum main gear legs in 2004. An "Ultimate Adventure" version, with a [[Superior Air Parts|Superior]] [[Vantage O-360|Vantage O-360-A3A2]] engine of {{convert|180|hp}} and a [[composite material|composite]] [[propeller]], is also produced by American Champion. |
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Introduced in 1965, the Champion 7GCAA, like the 7ECA, featured wood-spar wings and oleo-shock main gear. The major difference was in the engine, which in the 7GCAA was a [[Lycoming O-320|Lycoming O-320-A2B]] of {{convert|150|hp}}. Champion switched to spring steel main gear legs in 1967. Bellanca continued production of the 7GCAA as the Citabria "A" Package (a designation apparently begun by Champion), but with no significant design changes. American Champion's 7GCAA, reintroduced in 1997 as the Citabria "Adventure," is similar to earlier versions, with the exception of the metal-spar wings and the use of the Lycoming O-320-B2B engine of {{convert|160|hp}}; the most recent significant design change has been the switch to aluminum main gear legs in 2004. An "Ultimate Adventure" version, with a [[Superior Air Parts|Superior]] [[Vantage O-360|Vantage O-360-A3A2]] engine of {{convert|180|hp}} and a [[composite material|composite]] [[propeller (aircraft)|propeller]], is also produced by American Champion. |
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===7GCBC, Citabria "C" Package, Citabria Explorer=== |
===7GCBC, Citabria 150s, Citabria "C" Package, Citabria Explorer=== |
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[[File:Bellanca 7GCBC (N68576).jpg|thumb|Bellanca 7GCBC]] |
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Champion introduced the 7GCBC in 1965. It was substantially similar to the 7GCAA of the same year, with a Lycoming O-320-A2B engine of {{convert|150|hp}}, wood-spar wings, and spring steel main gear legs. The major differences between these two models are that the 7GCBC has a wingspan of {{convert|34.5|ft|m}}, {{convert|1|ft|m|sing=on}} longer than the 7ECA and 7GCAA, and carries wing [[flap (aircraft)|flaps]]. Bellanca continued production of the 7GCBC, calling it the Citabria "C" Package (a designation apparently begun by Champion). American Champion's 7GCBC, reintroduced in 1994 as the Citabria "Explorer," is similar to earlier versions, with the exception of the metal-spar wings and the use of the Lycoming O-320-B2B of {{convert|160|hp}}; the most recent significant design change has been the switch to aluminum main gear legs in 2004. A "High Country Explorer" version, with a Superior Vantage O-360-A3A2 engine of {{convert|180|hp}} and larger wheels, is also produced by American Champion. |
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Champion introduced the 7GCBC in 1965. It was substantially similar to the 7GCAA of the same year, with a Lycoming O-320-A2B engine of {{convert|150|hp}}, wood-spar wings, and spring steel main gear legs. The major differences between these two models are that the 7GCBC has a wingspan of {{convert|34.5|ft|m}}, {{convert|1|ft|m|adj=on}} longer than the 7ECA and 7GCAA, and carries wing [[flap (aircraft)|flaps]]. Bellanca continued production of the 7GCBC, calling it the Citabria "C" Package (a designation apparently begun by Champion). American Champion's 7GCBC, reintroduced in 1994 as the Citabria "Explorer," is similar to earlier versions, with the exception of the metal-spar wings and the use of the Lycoming O-320-B2B of {{convert|160|hp}}; the most recent significant design change has been the switch to aluminum main gear legs in 2004. A "High Country Explorer" version, with a Superior Vantage O-360-A3A2 engine of {{convert|180|hp}} and larger wheels, is also produced by American Champion. |
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===7KCAB, Citabria "B" Package=== |
===7KCAB, Citabria "B" Package=== |
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[[File:Bellanca 7KCAB (N333JS).jpg|thumb|Bellanca 7KCAB]] |
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Champion introduced the 7KCAB in 1968. It was substantially similar to the 7GCAA of the same year, with wood-spar wings and spring steel main gear legs. The major differences between the7GCAA and 7KCAB were in the fuel system and the engine oil system. The engine was replaced with a Lycoming IO-320-E2A of {{convert|150|hp}}, while a header tank of 1.5 gallons—located beneath the instrument panel—was added to the fuel system. In addition, the [[carburetor]] was replaced with a [[fuel injection]] system, and a [[Christen Industries]] inverted oil system was fitted to the engine. All of these changes were made in order to allow for extended inverted flight, a mode not possible in the earlier models. Bellanca continued production of the 7KCAB as the Citabria "B" Package (a designation apparently begun by Champion). |
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Champion introduced the 7KCAB in 1968. It was substantially similar to the 7GCAA of the same year, with wood-spar wings and spring steel main gear legs. The major differences between the 7GCAA and 7KCAB were in the fuel system and the engine oil system. The engine was replaced with a Lycoming IO-320-E2A of {{convert|150|hp}}, while a header tank of 1.5 gallons—located beneath the instrument panel—was added to the fuel system. In addition, the [[carburetor]] was replaced with a [[fuel injection]] system, and a [[Christen Industries]] inverted oil system was fitted to the engine. All of these changes were made in order to allow for extended inverted flight, a mode not possible in the earlier models. Bellanca continued production of the 7KCAB as the Citabria "B" Package (a designation apparently begun by Champion). |
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===Citabria Pro=== |
===Citabria Pro=== |
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The 8KCAB Citabria Pro was first flown by Champion on 2 August 1968, and was a dedicated aerobatic aircraft based on the standard Citabria.<ref name="jawa69p308"/> It was a [[parasol wing]]ed monoplane, with a revised wing section and a longer fuselage. The prototype had an open cockpit for a single pilot, but the design allowed for conversion to a two seat layout. The aircraft was powered by a {{convert|200|hp|kW|abbr=on}} [[Lycoming IO-360]] Special engine driving a two-bladed propeller.<ref name="jawa69p308"/> It was never put into production at Champion nor by Bellanca which acquired the company and designs only a short time later. |
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The Citabria Pro was tested by Champion in 1968, but was never put into production at Champion nor by Bellanca which acquired the company and designs only a short time later. The Citabria Pro was based on the 7KCAB, but with a vertically shortened fuselage, a wing of semi-symmetric [[airfoil]] mounted in a parasol configuration, and a unique engine, the Lycoming IO-360SPL. While it was flown as a single-seat, there was a second set of controls and room for a second seat. The design changes were intended to produce an aircraft capable of more complex maneuvers and better performance in inverted flight. Sources conflict over whether the Citabria Pro was assigned model number 8KCAB or 9KCAB. Since the 8KCAB designation ultimately belonged to the [[8KCAB Decathlon|Decathlon]] design, which was in development at Champion at the same time, it is unlikely that it was used for the Citabria Pro. |
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==Military operators== |
==Military operators== |
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The 7GCBC Citabria was used as an observation aircraft by the [[Turkish Army]]. |
The 7GCBC Citabria was used as an observation aircraft by the [[Turkish Army]]. One of these aircraft is displayed at the [[Rahmi M Koç Museum]] in [[Istanbul]]. |
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;{{flag|Turkey}} |
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*[[Turkish Army]] |
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*{{flag|Tonga}} |
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;{{flag|Tonga}} |
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*[[Tonga Defence Services aviation|Tongan Maritime Force Air Force]] |
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==Specifications ( |
==Specifications (7GCAA Citabria)== |
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[[ |
[[File:Catabria01.jpg|thumb|Citabria in flight]] |
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{{Aircraft specs |
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{{aircraft specification| |
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|ref=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1969–70<ref name="jawa69p308">Taylor 1969, p. 308</ref> |
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|prime units?=imp<!-- imp or kts first for US aircraft, and UK aircraft pre-metrification, |
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met(ric) first for all others. You MUST choose a format, or no specifications will show --> |
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<!-- |
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General characteristics |
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--> |
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|genhide= |
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|crew=one |
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|plane or copter?=plane |
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|jet or prop?=prop |
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|crew=one pilot |
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|capacity=one passenger |
|capacity=one passenger |
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|length |
|length m= |
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|length |
|length ft=22 |
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|length in=8 |
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|span main= 33 ft 5 in |
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|length note= |
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|span alt= 10.2 m |
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|span m= |
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|height main= 6 ft 9 in |
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|span ft=33 |
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|height alt= 2.4 m |
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|span in=5 |
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|area main= 165 ft² |
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|span note= |
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|area alt= 15.3 m² |
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|height m= |
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|airfoil= NACA 4412 |
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|height ft=6 |
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|empty weight main= 1,110 lb |
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|height in=7+3/4 |
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|empty weight alt= 503.5 kg |
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|height sigfig=3 |
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|loaded weight main= 1,650 lb |
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|height note= |
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|loaded weight alt= 748 kg |
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|wing area sqm= |
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|useful load main= 540 lb |
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|wing area sqft=165 |
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|useful load alt= 244.5 kg |
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|wing area note= |
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|max takeoff weight main= 1,650 lb |
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|aspect ratio=6.72:1 |
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|max takeoff weight alt= 748 kg |
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|airfoil=NACA 4412 |
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|empty weight kg= |
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|empty weight lb=1037 |
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|empty weight note= |
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|gross weight kg= |
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|gross weight lb=1650 |
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|gross weight note= |
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|fuel capacity={{convert|39|USgal|impgal L|abbr=on}} |
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|more general= |
|more general= |
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<!-- |
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'''[[Aspect ratio (wing)|Aspect ratio]]:''' 6.8 |
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Powerplant |
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--> |
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|eng1 number=1 |
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|eng1 name=[[Lycoming O-320-A2B]] |
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|eng1 type=four cylinder, [[horizontally opposed]] aircraft engine |
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|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines --> |
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|eng1 hp=150<!-- prop engines --> |
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|eng1 shp=<!-- prop engines --> |
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|prop blade number=2<!-- propeller aircraft --> |
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|prop name=McCauley 1C172AGM fixed-pitch metal propeller |
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|prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft --> |
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|prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft --> |
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|prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft --> |
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|prop dia note= |
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<!-- |
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|engine (jet)= |
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Performance |
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|type of jet= |
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--> |
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|number of jets= |
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|perfhide= |
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|thrust main= lbf |
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|thrust alt= kN |
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|thrust original= |
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|thrust more= |
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|afterburning thrust main= lbf |
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|afterburning thrust alt= kN |
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|engine (prop)= [[Lycoming O-320]]-A2B |
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|type of prop= |
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|number of props= 1 |
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|power main= 150 hp |
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|power alt= 111.9 kW |
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|power original= |
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|power more= |
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|max speed main= |
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|max speed alt= |
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|max speed more= |
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|cruise speed main= 126 mph |
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|cruise speed alt= 202.8 km/h |
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|cruise speed more= |
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|never exceed speed main= 162 mph |
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|never exceed speed alt= 260.7 km/h |
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|stall speed main= 51 mph |
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|stall speed alt= 82.1 km/h |
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|stall speed more= |
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|range main= 500 mi |
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|range alt= 804.7 km |
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|range more= |
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|ceiling main= 12,000 ft |
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|ceiling alt= 3660 m |
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|climb rate main= 1,120 ft/min |
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|climb rate alt= 5.69 m/s |
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|loading main= 10 lb/ft² |
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|loading alt= 48.9 kg/m² |
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|thrust/weight= |
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|power/mass main= 11 lb/hp |
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|power/mass alt= 6.7 kg/kW |
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|more performance= |
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|max speed kmh= |
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|armament= |
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|max speed mph=130 |
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|max speed kts= |
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|max speed note=at sea level |
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|cruise speed kmh= |
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|cruise speed mph=125 |
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|cruise speed kts= |
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|cruise speed note=at {{convert|8000|ft|m|abbr=on}} |
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|stall speed kmh= |
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|stall speed mph=50 |
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|stall speed kts= |
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|stall speed note=(without flaps) |
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|never exceed speed kmh= |
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|never exceed speed mph=162 |
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|never exceed speed kts= |
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|never exceed speed note= |
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|range km= |
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|range miles=537 |
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|range nmi= |
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|range note=(at max cruise speed) |
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|endurance=<!-- if range unknown --> |
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|ceiling m= |
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|ceiling ft=17000 |
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|ceiling note= |
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|g limits= |
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|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic --> |
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|glide ratio=<!-- sailplanes --> |
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|climb rate ms= |
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|climb rate ftmin=1120 |
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|climb rate note= |
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|time to altitude= |
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|lift to drag= |
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|wing loading kg/m2= |
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|wing loading lb/sqft= |
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|wing loading note= |
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|fuel consumption kg/km= |
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|fuel consumption lb/mi= |
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|power/mass= |
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|thrust/weight= |
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|more performance=*'''Take-off run to 50 ft (15 m):''' {{convert|630|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} |
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* '''Landing run from 50 ft (15 m):''' {{convert|755|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} |
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|avionics= |
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}} |
}} |
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==References== |
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*Aircraft specification no. A-759. Revision 67. (Jun. 3, 2005.) Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation Administration. |
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*{{cite web | url=http://aerofiles.com/_aeron.html | title=American airplanes: Aeronca | work=Aerofiles: A Century of American Aviation | accessdate=2006-08-12 }} |
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*{{cite web | url=http://aerofiles.com/_al.html | title=American airplanes: Al - av | work=Aerofiles: A Century of American Aviation | accessdate=2006-08-12 }} |
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*{{cite web | url=http://aerofiles.com/_ca.html | title=American airplanes: Ca - ci | work=Aerofiles: A Century of American Aviation | accessdate=2006-08-12 }} |
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*{{cite web | url=http://aerofiles.com/_bella.html | title=Bellanca | work=Aerofiles: A Century of American Aviation | accessdate=2006-08-12 }} |
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*{{cite book|author=Bellanca Aircraft Corporation|title=Pilot's operating manual: Bellanca Citabria, 1975-1977 Series|publisher=Bellanca Aircraft Corporation|year=1978}} |
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*{{cite web | url=http://www.joeld.net/citabria/history.html | author=Dirnberger, Joel | title=Citabria Pro History | work=A Brief History of the Citabria Pro | accessdate=2006-09-10 }} |
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* Gilbert, James. (Feb. 1965). "Champion Citabria: pilot report." Flying, pp. 57-60. |
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* Gilbert, James. (Apr. 1966). "And in this corner, the champ: a pilot report on the Champion Citabria." Flying, pp. 36-41. |
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==External links== |
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* [http://www.amerchampionaircraft.com/ American Champion Aircraft Corporation] |
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* [http://www.bellanca-championclub.com/ Bellanca-Champion Club] |
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* [http://www.rmk-museum.org.tr/english/exhibit/aviation.html#2/ Aviation displays at the Rahmi M Koç Museum] |
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* [http://www.popularaviation.com/Citabria/ Gallery of enthusiasts' photographs] |
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* [http://www.citabria.co.nz/ New Zealand Citabria Page] |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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{{aircontent |
{{aircontent |
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[[Aeronca Champ|7GCB]] - |
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[[Aeronca Champ|7KC]] - |
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[[Aeronca Champ|7GCBA]] - |
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'''7ECA''' - |
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'''7GCAA''' - |
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'''7GCBC''' - |
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'''7KCAB''' - |
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[[8KCAB Decathlon|8KCAB]] - |
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[[8GCBC Scout|8GCBC]] |
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|related= |
|related= |
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*[[8KCAB Decathlon|8KCAB Decathlon and Super Decathlon]] |
*[[8KCAB Decathlon|8KCAB Decathlon and Super Decathlon]] |
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*[[8GCBC Scout]] |
*[[8GCBC Scout]] |
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|similar aircraft= |
|similar aircraft= |
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*Clipped-wing [[Piper Cub]] |
*Clipped-wing [[Piper Cub]] |
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*Swick Clipped-wing [[Taylorcraft B|Taylorcraft]] |
*Swick Clipped-wing [[Taylorcraft B|Taylorcraft]] |
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*[[Aviat Husky]] |
*[[Aviat Husky]] |
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|lists= |
|lists= |
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|see also= |
|see also= |
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}} |
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==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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*Aircraft specification no. A-759. Revision 67. (Jun. 3, 2005.) Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation Administration. |
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{{aviation lists}} |
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*{{cite web | url=http://aerofiles.com/_aeron.html | title=American airplanes: Aeronca | work=Aerofiles: A Century of American Aviation | access-date=2006-08-12 }} |
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*{{cite web | url=http://aerofiles.com/_al.html | title=American airplanes: Al - av | work=Aerofiles: A Century of American Aviation | access-date=2006-08-12 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060815075607/http://aerofiles.com/_al.html| archive-date= 15 August 2006 | url-status= live}} |
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*{{cite web | url=http://aerofiles.com/_ca.html | title=American airplanes: Ca - ci | work=Aerofiles: A Century of American Aviation | access-date=2006-08-12 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060823142142/http://aerofiles.com/_ca.html| archive-date= 23 August 2006 | url-status= live}} |
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*{{cite web | url=http://aerofiles.com/_bella.html | title=Bellanca | work=Aerofiles: A Century of American Aviation | access-date=2006-08-12 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060720235706/http://www.aerofiles.com/_bella.html| archive-date= 20 July 2006 | url-status= live}} |
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*{{cite book|author=Bellanca Aircraft Corporation|title=Pilot's operating manual: Bellanca Citabria, 1975-1977 Series|publisher=Bellanca Aircraft Corporation|year=1978}} |
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*{{cite web | url=http://www.joeld.net/citabria/history.html | author=Dirnberger, Joel | title=Citabria Pro History | work=A Brief History of the Citabria Pro | access-date=2006-09-10 }} |
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* {{cite magazine |last=Gilbert |first=James |title=Champion Citabria: Pilot Report |magazine=[[Flying (magazine)|Flying]] |date=February 1965 |volume=76 |issue=2 |pages=58–60 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x6cP6D0WSjEC}} |
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* {{cite magazine |last=Gilbert |first=James |title=And In This Corner, The Champ: A Pilot Report on the Champion Citabria |magazine=[[Flying (magazine)|Flying]] |date=April 1966 |volume=78 |issue=4 |pages=36–41 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cmBx0b22S9MC}} |
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*{{cite book |editor-last=Taylor |editor-first= John W. R. |editor-link=John W. R. Taylor |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1969–70 |year=1969 |location=London |publisher=Sampson Low, Marston & Co., Ltd. |isbn=0-354-000-519}} |
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==External links== |
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{{commons category|American Champion Citabria}} |
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* [https://www.americanchampionaircraft.com/ American Champion Aircraft Corporation] |
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{{Aeronca Chief family}} |
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[[Category:United States civil utility aircraft 1960-1969]] |
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{{Champion Aircraft}} |
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[[Category:United States civil trainer aircraft 1960-1969]] |
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{{Bellanca}} |
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[[Category:United States sport aircraft 1960-1969]] |
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{{American Champion}} |
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[[Category:Propeller aircraft]] |
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[[Category:Single engine aircraft]] |
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[[Category:High wing aircraft]] |
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[[Category:1960s United States civil utility aircraft]] |
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[[fi:Bellanca Citabria]] |
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[[Category:1960s United States civil trainer aircraft]] |
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[[Category:1960s United States sport aircraft]] |
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[[Category:Champion aircraft|Citabria]] |
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[[Category:American Champion aircraft|Citabria]] |
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[[Category:Bellanca aircraft|Citabria]] |
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[[Category:Glider tugs]] |
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[[Category:Aerobatic aircraft]] |
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[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]] |
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[[Category:High-wing aircraft]] |
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[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1964]] |
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This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this articlebyadding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "American Champion Citabria" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (February 2009) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| Citabria | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Light utility aircraft and sports plane
Type of aircraft
|
| Manufacturer | American Champion Aircraft Bellanca Champion Aircraft |
| Designer | Champion Aircraft |
| First flight | 1964 |
| Introduction | 1964 |
| Status | In production[1] |
| Produced | 1964-present |
| Number built | over 5,238 |
The Citabria is a light single-engine, two-seat, fixed conventional gear airplane which entered production in the United States in 1964. Designed for flight training, utility and personal use, it is capable of sustaining aerobatic stresses from +5g to -2g. Its name, "airbatic" backwards, reflects this.
The Citabria was designed and initially produced by Champion Aircraft Corporation, and was a derivative of designs the company had been building since acquiring the 7-series Champ from Aeronca in 1954. The model 7ECA Citabria entered production at Champion in 1964. The 7GCAA and 7GCBC variants, added in 1965, were joined by the 7KCAB in 1968.
In 1970, Champion was acquired by Bellanca Aircraft Corporation, which continued production of all of the Champion-designed variants. Bellanca introduced two designs with close connections to the Citabria: The 8KCAB Decathlon and the 8GCBC Scout. Production at Bellanca ended in 1980 and the company's assets were liquidated in 1982.
The Citabria designs passed through the hands of a number of companies through the 1980s, including a Champion Aircraft Company which was no relation to the Champion Aircraft of the 1960s. In that period, only one Citabria model was built—a 7GCBC marketed as "Citabria 150S." American Champion Aircraft Corporation acquired the Citabria, Decathlon, and Scout designs in 1989 and returned the 7ECA, 7GCAA, and 7GCBC models to production over a period of years.
The Citabria traces its lineage back to the Champ. The most noticeable external changes to the design are the Citabria's squared-off rudder surface, wingtips, and rear windows. Like the Champ, the Citabria features tandem seating. The fuselage and tail surfaces are constructed of welded metal tubing. The outer shape of the fuselage is created by a combination of wooden formers and longerons, covered with fabric. The cross-section of the metal fuselage truss is triangular, a design feature which can be traced all the way back to the earliest Aeronca C-2 design of the late 1920s.
The strut-braced wings of the Citabria are, like the fuselage and tail surfaces, fabric covered, utilizing aluminum ribs. Most Citabrias were built with wooden spars. American Champion has been using aluminum spars in the aircraft it has produced and has, as well, made the aluminum-spar wings available for retrofit installation on older aircraft.
The landing gear of the Citabria is in a conventional arrangement. The main gear legs of most Citabrias are made of spring steel, though American Champion began to use aluminum gear legs in 2004. Early Citabrias were fitted with a steel tube main gear which uses an oleo strut for shock absorption. All of the variants are discussed in more detail below.
When the Citabria was introduced, it was the only airplane being commercially produced in the United States which was certified for aerobatics. Citabrias were also popular as trainers—because of their conventional gear and their aerobatic capabilities—and as personal aircraft. They were also found in utility roles as bush planes—thanks to their short take off and landing (STOL) ability, agriculture, pipeline patrol, and as glider towplanes. Though variants of the design, and other better-suited designs have largely taken over the Citabria's utility roles, Citabrias remain popular as trainers, glider towplanes, and for personal use.
Introduced in 1964, the 7ECA was the first version of the design and utilized the Continental O-200-A engine of 100 horsepower (75 kW). When introduced, it featured wood-spar wings and oleo-shock main gear. Within the first year of production, Champion began offering the Lycoming O-235-C1 engine of 115 horsepower (86 kW) as an alternative to the Continental. In 1967, Champion switched to spring steel main gear legs; by then, the Lycoming engine had become the standard. On acquiring the design, Bellanca gave this model the name Citabria "Standard" and began using the 115 horsepower (86 kW) Lycoming O-235-K2C engine. When American Champion reintroduced the 7ECA in 1995 as the Citabria "Aurora, " the biggest change was the use of metal-spar wings; the most recent significant design change has been the switch to aluminum main gear legs in 2004.
Introduced in 1965, the Champion 7GCAA, like the 7ECA, featured wood-spar wings and oleo-shock main gear. The major difference was in the engine, which in the 7GCAA was a Lycoming O-320-A2B of 150 horsepower (110 kW). Champion switched to spring steel main gear legs in 1967. Bellanca continued production of the 7GCAA as the Citabria "A" Package (a designation apparently begun by Champion), but with no significant design changes. American Champion's 7GCAA, reintroduced in 1997 as the Citabria "Adventure," is similar to earlier versions, with the exception of the metal-spar wings and the use of the Lycoming O-320-B2B engine of 160 horsepower (120 kW); the most recent significant design change has been the switch to aluminum main gear legs in 2004. An "Ultimate Adventure" version, with a Superior Vantage O-360-A3A2 engine of 180 horsepower (130 kW) and a composite propeller, is also produced by American Champion.
Champion introduced the 7GCBC in 1965. It was substantially similar to the 7GCAA of the same year, with a Lycoming O-320-A2B engine of 150 horsepower (110 kW), wood-spar wings, and spring steel main gear legs. The major differences between these two models are that the 7GCBC has a wingspan of 34.5 feet (10.5 m), 1-foot (0.30 m) longer than the 7ECA and 7GCAA, and carries wing flaps. Bellanca continued production of the 7GCBC, calling it the Citabria "C" Package (a designation apparently begun by Champion). American Champion's 7GCBC, reintroduced in 1994 as the Citabria "Explorer," is similar to earlier versions, with the exception of the metal-spar wings and the use of the Lycoming O-320-B2B of 160 horsepower (120 kW); the most recent significant design change has been the switch to aluminum main gear legs in 2004. A "High Country Explorer" version, with a Superior Vantage O-360-A3A2 engine of 180 horsepower (130 kW) and larger wheels, is also produced by American Champion.
Champion introduced the 7KCAB in 1968. It was substantially similar to the 7GCAA of the same year, with wood-spar wings and spring steel main gear legs. The major differences between the 7GCAA and 7KCAB were in the fuel system and the engine oil system. The engine was replaced with a Lycoming IO-320-E2A of 150 horsepower (110 kW), while a header tank of 1.5 gallons—located beneath the instrument panel—was added to the fuel system. In addition, the carburetor was replaced with a fuel injection system, and a Christen Industries inverted oil system was fitted to the engine. All of these changes were made in order to allow for extended inverted flight, a mode not possible in the earlier models. Bellanca continued production of the 7KCAB as the Citabria "B" Package (a designation apparently begun by Champion).
The 8KCAB Citabria Pro was first flown by Champion on 2 August 1968, and was a dedicated aerobatic aircraft based on the standard Citabria.[2] It was a parasol winged monoplane, with a revised wing section and a longer fuselage. The prototype had an open cockpit for a single pilot, but the design allowed for conversion to a two seat layout. The aircraft was powered by a 200 hp (150 kW) Lycoming IO-360 Special engine driving a two-bladed propeller.[2] It was never put into production at Champion nor by Bellanca which acquired the company and designs only a short time later.
The 7GCBC Citabria was used as an observation aircraft by the Turkish Army. One of these aircraft is displayed at the Rahmi M Koç MuseuminIstanbul.
Turkey
Tonga
Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1969–70[2]
General characteristics
Performance
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
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Bellanca/AviaBellanca aircraft
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