The Performance Turbine Legend is an American sports monoplane designed by Performance Aircraft for sale as a kit for amateur construction.[1][2][3]
| Legend | |
|---|---|
| |
| Turbine Legend | |
| Role | Homebuilt sportplane |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Performance Aircraft Legend Aircraft |
| Designer | Jeff Ackland |
| First flight | 1996 |
| Number built | 28 (March 2020) |
Design and development
editThe Legend is a streamlined low-wing monoplane mainly constructed of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer.[1] It has swept-back tail surfaces with a mid-mounted tailplane and tapered wings, with optional winglets. The prototype was powered by a 575 hp (429 kW) Chevrolet V-8 engine with a three-bladed tractor propeller and a ventral air-scoop, the Turbine Legend has a 724 shp (540 kW) Walter M601 turboprop with a three-bladed tractor propeller.[1] The Legend has a retractable tricycle landing gear; the mainwheels retract inwards and the nosewheel rearwards.[1] The enclosed cockpit has room for two persons in tandem seats with dual controls and has a rear-hinged, upward-opening, canopy with a fixed windscreen.[1][2]
The Legend was first flown in 1996 by Performance Aircraft and the prototype was converted into a Turbine Legend in 1999.[1]
The assets of Performance Aircraft were taken over by Lanny Rundell to be marketed by Legend Aircraft of Winnsboro, Louisiana.[1]
Operational history
editIn a March 2020 review for Kitplanes, writer Doug Rozendaal described the takeoff: "the acceleration is like a jet fighter." He also praised the handling and the fit and finish of the design.[3]
Variants
edit- Legend
- Piston-engined variant, powered by a 575 shp (429 kW) Chevrolet V-8 automotive conversion piston engine.[1]
- Turbine Legend
- Turboprop-engined variant, powered by a 724 shp (540 kW) Walter M601 turboprop engine.[1]
- JC 100
- A Turbine Legend built by Toys 4 Boys in 2000, designated the JC 100[1]
- Turbine Legend (Garrett Edition)
- A Turbine Legend was built by Innovative Wings Inc. utilizing a 1,100 hp (820 kW) Garrett TPE331-10 engine.[4]
- Turbine Legend Venom
- A military version marketed by Venom Military Aircraft and intended for the training and light attack roles. It has a 750 shp (559 kW) GE H75 engine, major changes to the wing design, a carbon fiber composite structure, fuel capacity increased to 145 U.S. gallons (550 L; 121 imp gal), full digital panel, electric remote canopy, aft spar flaps system and electric Fowler flaps.[5] No sales have yet been announced.
Specifications (Turbine Legend)
edit
Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2003-2004.[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Length: 25 ft 9 in (7.84 m)
- Wingspan: 28 ft 6 in (8.69 m)
- Height: 9 ft 5 in (2.86 m)
- Wing area: 101.0 sq ft (9.38 m2)
- Aspect ratio: 8.0
- Empty weight: 2,050 lb (930 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 3,298 lb (1,496 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Walter M601 Turboprop, 720 hp (540 kW)
- Propellers: 3-bladed Avia V 508E/84
Performance
- Maximum speed: 356 mph (573 km/h, 309 kn)
- Cruise speed: 334 mph (537 km/h, 290 kn) maximum at 25000 ft (7620 m)
- Stall speed: 76 mph (123 km/h, 66 kn) landing configuration
- Never exceed speed: 400 mph (643 km/h, 347 kn)
- Range: 940 mi (1,520 km, 820 nmi) at max cruising speed with standard fuel and reserves
- Service ceiling: 35,010 ft (10,670 m)
- g limits: +6/-4
- Rate of climb: 6,500 ft/min (33 m/s)
- Wing loading: 32.67 lb/sq ft (159.5 kg/m2)
References
editNotes
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Jackson 2003, p. 649
- ^ a b Vandermeullen, Richard: 2012 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide, Kitplanes, Volume 28, Number 12, December 2011, page 59. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
- ^ a b Rozendaal, Doug (March 10, 2020). "Kitplanes Flight Review: Turbine Legend". AVweb. Archived from the original on March 11, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
- ^ "Innovative Wings Inc. - High Performance Experimental Aircraft Builder - Specialising in Composite Turbine Aircraft". innovativewings.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
- ^ "Venom Military Aircraft". venommilitaryaircraft.com. Retrieved July 5, 2015.
Bibliography
edit- Jackson, Paul (2003). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2003-2004. Coulsdon, Surrey, United Kingdom: Jane's Information Group. ISBN 0-7106-2537-5.
External links
edit
Media related to Turbine Legend at Wikimedia Commons