The light multipurpose aircraft CH-640 Zodiac was developed by Zenair Ltd., a company located in Ontario, Canada. In April 2001, the renowned aircraft designer Chris Heintz introduced this model to the public. Its design was based on the certified two-seater aircraft CH 2000, which was mass-produced by Alarus.
Chris Heintz designed the new aircraft to meet the wishes of amateur pilots seeking an inexpensive four-seater plane, built using traditional technology. The CH-640 features a semi-monocoque structure, combining a strong frame with a load-bearing skin, which significantly simplifies assembly.
Design and Construction Highlights
The construction utilizes a single-curvature skin, which greatly simplifies the assembly process. Textron blind rivets are used almost everywhere, installed with a manual rivet gun. Composite materials are employed only for the wingtips, cowl, and cockpit, optimizing both strength and ease of manufacture.
On board the CH-640, up to four people can be accommodated: the pilot and three passengers. The aircraft is also capable of transporting small cargo. Its spacious cabin provides ample room for both pilots and rear passengers, as well as their luggage, ensuring comfort for all.
Performance and Powerplant
The aircraft’s powerplant consists of a single Lycoming O-360 four-cylinder piston engine, capable of developing 180 hp. This enables the aircraft to cover distances of up to 820 kilometers at a cruising speed of 256 km/h. In addition to the standard powerplant, other piston-type aircraft engines with outputs ranging from 150 to 240 hp can also be used.
Assembly and Market Presence
The CH-640 Zodiac is produced as a kit for self-assembly, which typically requires about 1500 hours to complete. Zenair Ltd. also supplies “quick-build” kits, which are assembled on the same production line as the CH 2000. By the end of 2011, approximately 50 units of the CH-640 had been sold.
The standard self-assembly kit was priced at $28,995 USD, while the “quick-build” kit could be purchased for $41,400 USD. This pricing strategy made the CH-640 an attractive option for amateur pilots looking for a capable and customizable aircraft.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | CH-640 |
| Wingspan, m | 9.60 |
| Length, m | 7.01 |
| Height, m | 2.25 |
| Wing area, m2 | 14.00 |
| Empty weight | 545 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1000 |
| Fuel, l | 2 x 72 |
| Engine type | 1 x Lycoming O-360 |
| Power, hp | 1 x 180 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 280 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 256 |
| Practical range, km | 820 |
| Maximum rate of climb, m/min | 288 |
| Service ceiling, m | 3900 |
| Max. operational G-load | 5.7 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Payload: | 3 passengers |
Image gallery of the CH-640 Zodiac
