CHAMPION LANCER

1963’65

Plane & Pilot

Saturday, August 01, 2009 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: Omar Filipović

Key Takeaways:

The Champion Lancer was introduced as the least expensive twin-engine aircraft, designed for simplicity, easy maintenance, and low operational costs.
It was engineered for robust use, capable of operating from unimproved landing strips, and built with an all-metal structure covered in fiberglass.
After its initial flight in 1961, production began in 1963, following revisions like relocating engine nacelles, with 36 units produced in the first year.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.