Bellanca Cruisair

The first Model 17 Viking appeared in 1967 called the "17-30" it was powered by a 300 hp [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien]. In 1969 a Viking powered by a 290 hp (later 300 hp) [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] was introduced, either normally aspirated (17-31) or turbocharged (17-31TC).

Over the years there were a number of refinements in the aircraft.

The original hydraulic gear and flap actuation system was redesigned in 1968 introducing electric flaps.

In 1969 the FAA issued Type Certificate A18CE and the aircraft built under that design were designated the "A" series "Super Vikings".

Aside from refinements already made to late Viking 300 models, the new 300A Vikings (17-30A, 17-31A and 17-31ATC)
had a gross weight increase to 3,325 lbs.

The original complex fuel system with five tanks and two fuel selectors allowing eight possible combinations of selector settings was simplified to a left, right and auxiliary system in 1974.

In 1979 the Continental powered Vikings sported a fully enclosed nosewheel thanks to a redesign of the engine mount.

This necessitated the use of cowl flaps for the first time on the Viking but resulted in a 12 mph increase.

In 1979 production of the Lycoming powered 17-31A ceased. In 1996, the [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] was made available as an option.

Operational history


Designed and produced in the post-World War II era, the Bellanca 14-13 Cruisair Senior was aimed at a general aviation market.

Pilot/owners were offered a combination of performance, low engine power and a modest price.

Its performance and structural strength also made it attractive for utility work, but in many ways the Bellanca design was an anachronism, relying on a [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] configuration and wood and fabric construction that harkened back to an earlier age.

Postwar economics along with a glut of surplus military aircraft precluded heavy sales although about 600 were produced.
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Despite its introduction into a period where private aircraft sales were stagnant, the aircraft remained popular through all of its incarnations and today is considered a classic cabin monoplane and is much in demand.

Since 2002 the company has been operated by a group of six Bellanca enthusiasts who bought the company from the state of Minnesota and established Alexandria Aircraft Co. LLC, providing technical support and parts for owners and maintenance organisations in the field.

New aircraft have been available from Alexandria Aircraft Co., who have sold one new aircraft manufactured in 2005.

Variants


Junior 14-7

Prototype with fixed undercarriage and [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien]E radial piston engine.

14-7L - 14-7 with [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] engine.

14-9

Main production version with retractable undercarriage and [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien]F radial piston engine.

14-9L - Fitted with a [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] engine.

14-9

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14-9L Cruisair Junior

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14-10L - fitted with a 100 hp (75 kW) [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] engine.

14-12 - with [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] engine

14-12 F

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14-13

Initial model introduced in 1946^{[Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien]}


14-13-2 - Improved model introduced in 1947. Featured a longer span stabilizer with smaller endplates and an external baggage door.

14-13-3 - Improved model introduced in 1948, which remained in production until 1956

14-13W - Wagon version with [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien]-lined cabin and removable rear seats

14-13

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14-13 2

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14-13 2 Senior

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