CHAMPION LANCER

1963’€“65

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Champion Lancer was designed as the least expensive twin-engine aircraft of its era, prioritizing simplicity, easy maintenance, and low operational costs.
  • It was specifically engineered to handle unimproved landing strips, featuring an all-metal construction with a fiberglass covering and unique above-wing engine nacelles.
  • After its first flight in 1961 and subsequent revisions, production began in 1963, with 36 Lancers rolling off the line in the first year.
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STANDARD DATA: Seats 2. Gross wt. 2,450. Empty wt. 1,790. Fuel capacity 60. Engines two 100-hp Continentals.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 130. Cruise mph 120. Stall mph 62. Initial climb rate 642. Range 510. Ceiling 12,900. Takeoff run 500.

The Champion Lancer was (during its production run) the least expensive twin produced in this country. Champion’s aim was to offer a twin with design simplicity, easy maintenance, and low operational costs. The Lancer was also designed to handle unimproved landing strips. It flew for the first time in 1961, but production didn’t start until 1963. Several revisions were made in the interim including the relocation of the engine nacelles to a position above the wing. Construction of the Lancer was all-metal with a fiberglass covering. Thirty-six Lancers rolled off the production line in the first year.

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