Latest Model In The Zoidac Line
Zenith Aircraft Company will be showing its popular new low-wing
two-seat cruiser for the first time at EAA AirVenture. The CH 650 B
model is a second generation light sport aircraft, developed
specifically for Sport Pilots. It is the latest model in the Zodiac
line of aircraft from aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz, first
introduced in 1984. This newest model offers new and updated
features including modern new styling with a larger cabin
area.
What's completely new with this factory demonstrator aircraft is
forward of the firewall: The new CH 650 is equipped with a
brand new UL350iS engine installation. This is an exciting new
engine from Belgium which introduces some exciting new technology
(new to light aviation at least) with an engine that puts out
130-hp while weighing the same as the Rotax 912S engine. The UL
Power engine is a horizontally-opposed four cylinder engine with
FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control): multipoint
electronic fuel injection with automatic altitude and temperature
compensation. Furthermore, this engine is direct drive, air cooled,
and fuel efficient. The current product line ranges from the UL260i
at 97HP to the UL350is at 130HP.
Zenith Aircraft Company, together with UL Power North America
LLC, has developed a new firewall-forward package for this engine
installation (and other variants on the model from UL Power) housed
under a sleek new cowl, as seen on the new factory demonstrator
aircraft. The firewall-forward installation promises builders with
easy "plug-n-play" installation available in a complete
package.
“We’ve been very impressed with ULPower and the
technology that they bring to the light aircraft industry,”
stated Sebastien Heintz, president of Zenith Aircraft
Company: “For many years our customers have been asking
for lighter, more fuel efficient engines, and for modern technology
such as FADEC. ULPower appears to deliver both fuel efficiency and
high power to weight ratio, while also being simple, with
conventional direct drive and air cooled cylinders.”
The CH 650 B is the latest updated and upgraded model in the
popular low-wing Zodiac series, with a new roomier canopy system
and swept back tail, as well as many new smaller updates and
conveniences. The company demonstrator is also equipped with a
modern new instrument panel with the latest avionics suite from
Dynon with dual SkyView glass panel display systems.
New aircraft models, like the Zodiac CH 650 and the STOL CH 750,
keep Zenith Aircraft Company at the forefront of the light aircraft
industry. The CH 650 B model introduces refinements that compete
directly with European imports in the Light Sport (LSA)
marketplace, while still offering an exceptional value and choices,
allowing builders to construct the CH 650 from complete
American-made kits, component kits, or even from plans-only, and
offering kit builders a wide selection of engine choices to power
their aircraft. Zenith Aircraft Company manufactures the kits for
the popular two seaters in Mexico, Missouri in a modern factory
utilizing CNC technology extensively in kit manufacturing. The
aircraft can be assembled from complete kits, as well as from
component kits or scratch-built from blueprints. The kits are sold
without an engine, allowing the builder to choose a engine to power
their planes. Other than ULPower engines, available engine choices
include the Continental O-200, Rotax 912 ULS, Jabiru 3300, Corvair,
and others. Zenith Aircraft Company holds monthly hands-on kit
building workshops at its factory to allow builders to gain
first-hand building and flying experience and to “try before
they buy.”
The July 2011 issue of Aviation Consumer magazine has a
feature story and flight report on the CH 650 LSA: "Based on the
CH601, the design is sporty and fast and has a new, beefed-up wing
structure." Aviation Consumer editor Paul Bertorelli writes
that "The CH650 has superb cockpit visibility... The baggage
compartment, which is adequate if not generous, is an
easy-to-access shelf behind the two seats. That makes it perfect
for grabbing stuff during cross-country flight." He concludes
that "...the CH650 seems like an honest, straightforward low-wing
cruiser..." and that kit manufacturer Zenith Aircraft Company
"stands behind what is designs and builds."