The Comp Air 7 is a lightweight, multi-purpose, all-composite aircraft manufactured by the American aerospace corporation Comp Air Inc (Aerocomp Inc.). Its design began in the late 1990s, based on earlier models produced by the same company. This aircraft was optimized for both private and commercial operation, which ultimately contributed to its greater popularity compared to previous models.
Design and Variants
As before, the Comp Air 7 (CA-7) was released by Comp Air Inc. as self-assembly kits. Despite requiring over 1000 hours for assembly, the aircraft remained popular due to its low cost and high flight performance characteristics. Aviation developers also offered two different versions to prospective buyers: one equipped with a piston aircraft engine and another with a turboprop (Comp Air 7SL and 7SLX models, produced since 1999). Unexpectedly, the modification with the less powerful piston engine became the most popular.
Capacity and Performance
The Comp Air 7 can accommodate up to seven people, including one pilot and six passengers, making it suitable for commercial use. Its maximum flight range is a respectable 1685 km, ensuring applicability for both local and regional routes. Depending on the modification, the Comp Air 7’s powerplant can be a Lycoming IO-540 piston engine, developing 290 hp and accelerating the aircraft to 280 km/h (maximum flight speed), or a Walter M601 turboprop engine, with 660 hp, capable of giving the aircraft a speed of 443 km/h (maximum flight speed).
Despite the turboprop engine being more powerful and significantly enhancing the aircraft’s flight performance, its maintenance is a very costly process. This factor, in turn, influenced the greater popularity of the model equipped with the piston engine, highlighting its economic efficiency.
Military Service and Retirement
On November 13, 2004, four Comp Air 7SLX aircraft manufactured by Aerocomp Inc. were donated to Iraq. They were intended to form the 3rd Reconnaissance Squadron of the Iraqi Air Force, based at Kirkuk airbase. Subsequently, the UAE added three more Comp Air 7SLX units. Despite efforts by US Air Force specialists from Edwards AFB to bring the aircraft up to normal military standards, they were unsuccessful, and the aircraft were decommissioned in August 2006.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Comp Air 7SLX |
| Wingspan, m | 10.15 |
| Aircraft length, m | 8.99 |
| Aircraft height, m | 2.44 |
| Wing area, m2 | 16.50 |
| Empty weight | 1088 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1905 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Walter M601 |
| Power, hp | 1 x 660 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 443 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 372 |
| Practical range, km | 1685 |
| Rate of climb, m/min | 923 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Payload | 6 passengers |
Image gallery of the Comp Air 7
