The Challenger E-Series of Aircraft
New Challenger Light Sport E-Series Models, EL-65 & ES-65
Quad City Aircraft is delighted to announce the Challenger Light Sport E Series. The new 582 –powered models EL-65 and ES-65 incorporate key improvements of the top of the line Light Sport X-Series at lower prices comparable to earlier Challenger II models.
The new EL-65 is a long wing, two seat, high power, high lift aircraft well suited for amphibious floats, heavy loads, and high density altitudes. The new ES-65 is a clip wing derivative of the EL-65 with all the same features with a wing four feet shorter. The ES-65 optimized for people who want speed on wheels or skis. The EL-65 and ES-65 can carry impressive payloads while delivering outstanding STOL performance.
The Challenger Light Sport X-Series announced in 2010 quickly became the sales leader worldwide. The XL-65 and XS-65 incorporate numerous design enhancements driven by customer inputs. The new models are easier to fly, faster in cruise, more rugged, more ergonomic, and are even easier to assemble. Light Sport Challengers are fling on every continent but Antarctica!
The new Challenger light Sport EL-65 and ES-65 provide a more attainable entry point for those whose needs and budgets are not up to the level of the more fully featured XL-65 and XS-65. In effect the predecessor Challenger II’s capabilities are significantly uplifted without uplifting the cost.
Available configurations include faired wheels, tundra wheels, straight skies, wheel/skis, straight floats and amphibious floats, all very affordable. In the grand Challenger tradition of versatility switching configurations is quick and easy.
Proven Challenger 582 Power Pack
The new E-Series models are powered by the bespoke Challenger 582 Power Pack which has been the number one choice of owners since 2005. The ASTM certified Bombardier-Rotax 582 Mod 99 Blue Head engine produces 30% more horsepower and 34% more torque than its predecessor, the 503. All this with a specific fuel consumption 23% lower!
The oil injected 582 has proven itself in Challengers over 10 years of real world use, delivering exceptional performance, excellent fuel economy, and outstanding reliability in a wide range of conditions and terrains through the extremes of four season climates. The acquisition outlay is dramatically lower than any aircraft in this class plus hourly operating and maintenance costs are unbeatable.
New Tapered Tail & Differential Ailerons
The new E-Series models have the larger tapered vertical tail and differential ailerons of the XL-65 and XS-65. The result is easier, more conventional handling with much less rudder work, especially in turbulence. Importantly the new tail and aileron combination strikes and balance between stability and maneuverability thus retaining the Challenger’s renowned crosswind capabilities, side slipping prowess, and ease of handling on water and ice in windy conditions.
Compared to the earlier Challenger II models, the new tail is 10 inches taller and has 25% more side area which increases directional stability. The aileron bell cranks have been modifies so that the flaperons function as differential ailerons in the ratio 3 up to 2 down thus reducing adverse yaw. The new Challengers are even friendlier to fly, especially for pilots accustomed to General Aviation aircraft such as Cessnas and Cherokees which require little usage of the rudder pedals.
New Easy Entry Cabin
The new E-Series also gets the XL/XS easy entry cabin. The windshield, doors, and cockpit side rails have redesign to make entry and exit much easier. The windshield is moved 4.5 inches forward compared to previous Challenger II models. The gives more room for the pilot to enter the front seat. The side rails are lower all the way from the front to the back to make the aircraft easier for passenger entry as well. An optional hinged windshield is available for lager pilots or those who have mobility issues. The doors continue to be easily removable for that open cockpit feeling of freedom on warm summer days.
Heavy Load Saddles
All new Challenger Light Sport models come standard with the Heavy Load Saddle Kit. This greatly increases the strength and durability of the attachment of the main lift struts to the fuselage longerons. The saddles spread the forces the lift struts exert on the main longerons over a substantially larger surface area. They also prevent movement at the interface between the Rony brackets and the fuselage thus eliminating flexing when operating on very rough surfaces.
A number of other less visible but no less important improvements have been migrated from the X-Series to the E-Series. Beefier new steel tail posts weldments accommodate the larger tubing in the new vertical tail and withstand the greater side loads from the increase area. Rudder cables are 50% larger diameter and are re-routed through the fuselage for straighter runs with less friction. Rudder cable turnbuckles are moved from rudder pedals aft to the rudder control horns for easier access and adjustment.