THE ZENAIR ZODIAC CH 640
The ZODIAC CH 640 was designed for kit builders seeking a modern low-wing, all-metal and affordable four-seat aircraft. While there are literally hundreds of fancy two-seat kit aircraft designs available for home construction there are remarkably few convincing four-seat models for homebuilders to choose from: Available designs are either complex high-performance planes (Lancair IV), expensive (RV-10), or "utility" designs such as Murphy's Super Rebel and Heintz' own STOL CH 801. The ZODIAC CH 640 bridges the gap between the utility designs and the high-performance expensive ones - making it a logical choice for many pilots/builders.
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The ZODIAC CH 640 is a conventional four-seater, with a 2+2 seating
configuration; it has a useful load of 1,000 lbs., making it a truly
travel-friendly aircraft. The design features a fixed tricycle landing gear,
large dual gull-wing doors, a wing span of 31.5 feet and an overall length of
23 feet. Most CH 640 flying today are powered by the 180-hp Lycoming O-360
engine.
The CH 640 has been available as a kit aircraft from Zenair since 2001 and there are several hundred under construction at this time. Based on the engineering of a Type-Certificated production aircraft, the CH 640 has handling characteristics that most conventional pilots are familiar with; it even comes with a dual yoke control system instead on control sticks typically found in most kit designs. The heavier weight of the aircraft also makes it well suited for pilots transitioning from similar-sized Cessna or Piper designs. Its roominess and impressive payload make the Zodiac CH 640 a well-adapted aircraft for longer cross-country trips.
The CH 640 has been available as a kit aircraft from Zenair since 2001 and there are several hundred under construction at this time. Based on the engineering of a Type-Certificated production aircraft, the CH 640 has handling characteristics that most conventional pilots are familiar with; it even comes with a dual yoke control system instead on control sticks typically found in most kit designs. The heavier weight of the aircraft also makes it well suited for pilots transitioning from similar-sized Cessna or Piper designs. Its roominess and impressive payload make the Zodiac CH 640 a well-adapted aircraft for longer cross-country trips.
Designer Chris Heintz used the FAA-certificated Zenair CH 2000 as the basic platform for the CH 640 since that aircraft already boasted a huge cabin area and the T/C design could easily be "stretched" into a four-seater. The ZODIAC CH 640 took shape by extending the cabin area of the basic CH 2000 and adding rear seats to the longer fuselage. New wings and horizontal tail sections were developed, but the firewall-forward side was borrowed from the STOL CH 801 design (which utilizes the same engine).
The CH 640 is unmistakably a Heintz design – with its conventional all-metal construction adapted for quick and simple kit construction. While a larger aircraft, the CH 640 kit assembly-time and complexity is very similar to other two-seat aircraft designs. Kit parts are supplied ready-for-assembly, using aviation-grade blind rivets extensively, which are as easy to set as common "Pop" rivets.
The CH 640 is unmistakably a Heintz design – with its conventional all-metal construction adapted for quick and simple kit construction. While a larger aircraft, the CH 640 kit assembly-time and complexity is very similar to other two-seat aircraft designs. Kit parts are supplied ready-for-assembly, using aviation-grade blind rivets extensively, which are as easy to set as common "Pop" rivets.
"The kit aircraft industry has matured over the years and many builders are now considering their second or third-time projects,” Heintz explains, “the CH 640 offers recreational pilots more aircraft – it's more than just a weekend toy. Also, many of today’s kit builders are demanding more ‘utility’ from a kit aircraft. Wives are getting more involved in the decision-making process of which airplane to build, as well as being more involved in the building and flying of the aircraft. Obviously, a back seat for the kids and baggage is important."
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For full details on the Zenair CH 640, including different airframe kits available from Zenair, many options, engine choices, Firewall Forward Packages, etc., visit:
http://www.zenair640.info/
http://www.zenair640.info/
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