Bellanca 8 Decathlon

The Champion Model 8KCAB Decathlon was a further development of the Model 7 Champ and Model 8 Scout aircraft, initially designed as an aerobatic plane. The resulting machine was generally similar to these two models but featured a wing with a reduced span and a larger chord. It was also capable of withstanding G-forces ranging from -5g to +6g.

Evolution and Aerobatic Capabilities

After acquiring the “Champion” firm, the “Bellanca” company continued work on refining and launching the Decathlon model into production. By 1979, Bellanca was already offering three modifications of this aircraft.

Decathlon Variants and Production

These modifications included the basic Decathlon, which was practically identical to the Model 8KCAB and equipped with an Avco Lycoming AEIO-320-E1B engine delivering 150 hp (112 kW) driving a fixed-pitch propeller. The Decathlon CS model featured the same powerplant but utilized a constant-speed propeller, while the Super Decathlon was a Decathlon CS variant with a more powerful engine. Production of the aircraft ceased in 1980, with over 550 machines built.

Technical Specifications

Modification	8KCAB
Wingspan, m	9. 80
Aircraft length, m	7. 00
Aircraft height, m	2. 30
Wing area, m2	15. 70
Empty weight	608
Maximum takeoff weight	816
Engine type	1 Piston engine Lycoming AEIO-360-H1B CSU
Power, hp	1 x 180
Maximum speed, km/h	322
Cruising speed, km/h	249
Practical range, km	906
Maximum rate of climb, m/min	390
Practical ceiling, m	4816
Crew	1
Payload	1 passenger

Image and diagram gallery of the Bellanca 8 Decathlon

Bellanca 8 Decathlon	Bellanca 8 Decathlon
Bellanca 8 Decathlon	Bellanca 8 Decathlon
Bellanca 8 Decathlon