Super Legend Cub

Talk about airplanes! At last count, there are 39 (and growing) FAA certificated S-LSA (special light sport aircraft). These are factory-built ready to fly airplanes. If you can't afford a factory-built LSA, consider buying an E-LSA kit (experimental LSA - up to 99% complete).

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drseti
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Super Legend Cub

Post by drseti »

I just received a press release (reproduced below FYI) from American Legend, about their new Super Legend. The significant part of this announcement is, IMHO, the weights:

SLSA max gross weight = 1320#
Basic Empty Weight "starting at 846#"
which makes the maximum useful load 474#, with no optional equipment

Fuel capacity = 32 gallons, which weighs 192#. So, with full fuel, the maximum payload is a whopping 282 pounds.

Don't get me wrong; this looks like a great airplane. Just be sure (as is often mentioned on these forums) that its capabilities meet your mission.

Now, I know that somebody's going to point out that "Complete Aircraft Tested to ASTM F2245 Standards at 1750 lbs. Gross Weight." This is true. My motorcycle is also tested at 105 MPH. That doesn't make it either legal or safe to push it that far...

American Legend wrote:Super Legend Launched In Lakeland

SULPHUR SPRINGS, TEXAS, APRIL 23, 2014 – American Legend Aircraft Company launched its Lycoming powered Super Legend on the grounds of Sun ‘n Fun 2014, with the arrival of three new aircraft. The company also announced first customer deliveries of the Super Legend. The aircraft received its FAA approval last November. Currently, production is underway on an order book of nine aircraft with four having been delivered to customers.

The all-new Super Legend follows the successes of the Legend Cub, an airplane that led the Sport Pilot movement upon its introduction at Sun ‘n Fun 2005 in Lakeland, Florida. An idea that evolved over the nine-year period, the Super Legend will appeal to sport and adventure pilots, and is exemplary in its mission of backcountry and pleasure flying.

The joy of flying a Super Legend

Cub aircraft designs from American Legend Aircraft Company are widely recognized as airplanes that are fun to fly. It’s rare to meet a pilot without the want to own or have access to one. In fact, many pilots say they would be quite content to spend the rest of their flying days with little more than a clear sky, a suitable place to land, and one of the most popular aircraft of all time. The Legend Cub and Super Legend smartly satisfy all three yearnings. Legend Cubs, and their pilots, long to land on short or unpaved strips. They are particularly fond of fields lined in turf. With its suitability to enjoyable flying, the Super Legend represents the new classic.

Flying for pleasure in its purest form

Design of new Super Legend was inspired by one of the most useful and practical aircraft in all of aviation—the Piper Super Cub. The versatile and wildly popular airframe, one that has been repeatedly imitated, comes to life again as the modern Super Legend. Innovative in its approach, today’s Super Legend is a recreational and backcountry flyer’s wish list. It incorporates everything imaginable in a slow flying, docile handling airplane, from airframe enhancements to comfort features. With its modern construction, the new Super Legend is built for dependable operation. The Super Legend is an airplane that will carry on a tradition of versatility, and flying for pure fun of it.

Range, reach and worry-free support with Lycoming

The Super Legend first flew on January 12, 2012. Its design objectives included a quest for a higher performance in the ultimate two-seater. Emboldened by 75 years of aviation prowess, the Super Legend was determined to fill some very big shoes. Lycoming had just released its re-engineered YO-233 flat-four engine, a powerhouse capable of running on a choice of available fuels. The Lycoming YO-233 in the Super Legend, as expected, extends the aircraft’s already enviable performance with shorter takeoffs and greater range. Its ability to reach remote locations, delivering passengers and payload, and its worry-free maintenance and worldwide support make the Lycoming a natural fit for the Super Legend.

Full power available in all phases of flight

In the Sport Pilot class, the Super Legend with its Lycoming engine is the essential, no-holds-barred performance engine of choice. Its lightweight design optimizes, rather than occupies, the aircraft’s useful load. This leaves more room and flexibility to do with your aircraft what you’ve intended. Intelligent electronics and a host of optimized equipment in the thoroughly modern engine make it a powerplant for today’s pilot. The Super Legend powered by Lycoming is free of power setting limits and full of performance.

Feature-rich Super Legend is a one-of-a-kind

With its sporty styling, plush comfort, and stronger, lighter airframe, the Super Legend is a standout. A discernable step beyond its predecessors, the Super Legend exemplifies the sport and backcountry flying experience. Its features a richly appointed panel that exceeds expectations, body conforming seats, and a host of other design inputs inspired by customers. What was always a fine example of an enduring aircraft design is now the best of the breed. One customer succinctly called it “THE BEST aircraft to fit my mission.”

Super Legend construction utilizes customized tooling, newly manufactured components, and proven assembly processes. While American Legend Aircraft Company offers numerous customization options, Super Legend features include:

Same Proven Airfoil as Piper Super Cub with 35’6” Wing Span
3-Inch Wider Cabin Than Piper Super Cub
Classic PA-18 Pressure Cowling of Super Strong, Lightweight Carbon Fiber
Carbon Fiber Doors, Floorboards, Interior and Baggage Panels, Spinner, Wingtip Bows
CNC Cut Tubing and TIG Welded Fuselage
Classic Super Cub Paint Scheme with Custom Options
Basic Empty Weight Starting at 846 lbs.
Equivalent Power-to-Weight Ratio of 150-HP Piper Super Cub
115-hp (at 2800 RPM) Lycoming YO-233 Engine with Electronic Ignition
Lightweight Engine Saves 35 lbs. Over Comparable CC340
Full Power Available in All Phases of Flight
Center-line Thrust Engine Mount
Multi-fuel Capable: 100LL and Unleaded Automotive Gas
Full Electrical System with Starter and Alternator
76" Sensenich Ground Adjustable Propeller (48” / 50” / 52” pitch), or Cato Propeller
Extended Span Flap System
Aerodynamically Balanced Tail Surfaces
32-Gallon Fuel System with Right/Left/Both/Off Selector
Dual Doors and Windows Fully Operable In Flight
Dual Controls with Front Seat Solo Pilot Position
L-bird Style Greenhouse Skylight and Rear Windows
Instrument Panel Options include: VFR, Night VFR, Smart Cub Glass Panel, Autopilot, and More
Instrument Panel Tilted Forward Adding Extra Room and Enhanced Visibility
Ergonomic Body Conforming Adjustable Front Seat
Heel-operated Brakes with Parking Brake System, Optional Toe Brakes
External Baggage Door with Folding and Removable Rear Seat
Extended Baggage Compartment Options
Complete Aircraft Tested to ASTM F2245 Standards at 1750 lbs. Gross Weight
Sport Pilot Certified to 1320 lbs. Gross Weight S-LSA
Also Available as a Kit-built Aircraft.

Create Your Own Legend Cub

American Legend Aircraft Company manufactures the Legend Cub and Super Legend, both FAA-certified aircraft for sport, recreation and training. These aircraft are powered by proven Continental and Lycoming engines. Kit versions of the Legend Cub and Super Legend allow amateur builders to create and fly their own, and can be certified to 1,750 GTOW. The Legend Cub and Super Legend feature an open cabin feel, exceptional slow flight capability, and docile handling for pure, flying fun.

For further information, contact American Legend Aircraft Company at 1810 Piper Lane, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482; call 903-885-7000, or log on to http://www.legend.aero. Follow us on facebook.com/LegendAircraft and instagram.com/legendcub.

– Legend Cub –
The opinions posted are those of one CFI, and do not necessarily represent the FAA or its lawyers.
Prof H Paul Shuch
PhD CFII DPE LSRM-A/GL/WS/PPC iRMT
AvSport LLC, KLHV
[email protected]
AvSport.org
facebook.com/SportFlying
SportPilotExaminer.US
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MrMorden
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Re: Super Legend Cub

Post by MrMorden »

They could have shaved 60-80lb or more by using a Rotax 912 or 914...I don't understand why in weight challenged LSA manufacturers choose heavy engines when options exist that are much lighter and produce the same power. I get that some people like the old school Ly/Con engines, but 282lb with full fuel is a compelling reason to expand your horizons.

EDIT: The Lycoming 233 lists a dry weight of 213lb, and includes starter only (no mags)...compared to Rotax 912ULS weight of 125lb...88lb difference!
Andy Walker
Athens, GA
Sport Pilot ASEL, LSRI
2007 Flight Design CTSW E-LSA
Merlinspop
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Re: Super Legend Cub

Post by Merlinspop »

They went with the Lycoming because their direct competitor is CubCrafter's CarbonCub which uses a clone of O-320 stroked out to 340 and puts out 180 hp (5 minute limit by POH). There are already a few Rotax powered Cub-alikes.

What struck me about this presser is that they had a whopping 9 orders on the books, have already delivered 4, so they only have 5 left in the pipeline. So they better start filling up that order book quick. If I ordered a new CC today, it wouldn't be done until close to Thanksgiving.
- Bruce
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MrMorden
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Re: Super Legend Cub

Post by MrMorden »

Merlinspop wrote:They went with the Lycoming because their direct competitor is CubCrafter's CarbonCub which uses a clone of O-320 stroked out to 340 and puts out 180 hp (5 minute limit by POH). There are already a few Rotax powered Cub-alikes.
There nothing wrong with that, but I don't think LSA is the right market for over-powered cubs with heavy engines. But maybe there are a lot of people that are fine with either (1) flying alone; or (2) breaking the rules and flying over gross.
Andy Walker
Athens, GA
Sport Pilot ASEL, LSRI
2007 Flight Design CTSW E-LSA
Merlinspop
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Joined: Mon Apr 08, 2013 2:48 pm
Location: WV Eastern Panhandle

Re: Super Legend Cub

Post by Merlinspop »

MrMorden wrote:
Merlinspop wrote:They went with the Lycoming because their direct competitor is CubCrafter's CarbonCub which uses a clone of O-320 stroked out to 340 and puts out 180 hp (5 minute limit by POH). There are already a few Rotax powered Cub-alikes.
There nothing wrong with that, but I don't think LSA is the right market for over-powered cubs with heavy engines. But maybe there are a lot of people that are fine with either (1) flying alone; or (2) breaking the rules and flying over gross.
Yeah, it really limits things. I was playing with the numbers on a used Carbon Cub that had the extended fuel tanks and a few other options, and with full fuel, the payload was half my own weight. But people are buying them, and I have to say that having flown one, if the proverbial GBBOM (great big bag o money) fell into my back yard, I'd be tempted to get one. Actually, their Sport Cub with the modification to the O-200 (which would force a E-LSA conversion) would be the plane I'd want most. I'd have to test fly one of those against the new Super Legend.
- Bruce
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