Entry-Level Kit Aircraft Will Be Simpler, More Economical
Version of Existing Legacy
Kit aircraft builders looking for the performance
and style of a Lancair at a lower cost and even shorter build time
need look no farther than the new fixed gear Lancair Legacy FG
introduced this week at Lakeland. The prototype aircraft (shown
here, during testing, without fairings or wheelpants) is on display
at Lancair's show stand near the flight line.
Other than the wheels being permanently down and locked, the
fixed gear aircraft is quite similar to its retractable gear
counterpart. The overall configuration of the airframe is basically
the same for both aircraft, but the fixed gear version is
constructed primarily of fiberglass rather than carbon fiber.
Additionally, Lancair designed the kit to accept four-cylinder
Lycoming engines as well as simplified panels and interior
appointments to lower costs and speed up building times.
"Our aircraft line has pushed the outer limits of what's
possible in a homebuilt airplane in terms of performance and
sophistication and we'll continue to push those limits," said
Lancair President Joe Bartels. "However, we get a lot of requests
from potential customers for an airplane that delivers what people
expect of a Lancair kit aircraft, but at a lower price. The fixed
gear Legacy is our response to those requests."
Lancair didn't sacrifice performance to hit a price point,
however. Fitted with a 200 horsepower Lycoming IO 360 A1B6
powerplant, the Legacy FG upholds Lancair's performance reputation
with a cruise of over 200 mph and a range of more than 1,300
statute miles.
"People who fly the fixed gear Legacy will immediately realize
that we've preserved the flying characteristics that have made the
retractable gear airplane so popular," said Lancair Sales Manager
Kim Lorentzen. "We've specified the four cylinder Lycoming
powerplant to reduce costs and maximize the builders options, but
it still provides plenty of performance."
Legacy FG builders will have the option of taking advantage of
Lancair's highly regarded builder assist program as well as all of
the other technical assist programs that the company has in place.
The builder assist program, the inherently simpler nature of the
kit (no gear doors or hydraulics) and special instrument panel
packages will reduce build time significantly relative to the
retractable gear Legacy.
Those wishing to reduce the cost as well may take advantage of
Lancair's introductory kit price of $32,900.
"The Legacy FG represents a lot of value to the builder,"
Bartels continued. Its performance is extremely good, it looks
wonderful and yet it can be built quickly and relatively
inexpensively. I think we'll see a lot of these flying around in
the near future."