The Challenger X-Series of Aircraft
New Challenger Light Sport X-Series Models, XL-65 & XS-50
Quad City Aircraft is delighted to announce the new Challenger Light Sport XS-50 and XL-65. Numerous great new features kick this Challenger up yet another notch to further secure its position as by far the most popular airplane in its class.
The new Challenger Light Sport XS-50 is optimized as an economical go-fast airplane for wheels and skis. Cruise speed is increased to 95 mph thanks to a 26ft clip wing and new streamlining features. The XS-50 is powered by the ASTM certified 65 hp Rotax 582. The XS-50 has a 960 lb gross weight and comes standard with a 10 US gal fuselage tank. Available options are a 17 US gal fuselage tank or 2-20 US gal wing tanks. The wing tanks allow for a baggage compartment in the fuselage behind the passenger seat.
The new Challenger Light Sport XL-65 is a high power, high lift aircraft for the amphibious floats, heavy loads, and high density altitudes. A 29.5ft midsize wing, a power package with lots of power, new landing gear and standard 20 US gal wing tanks combine to allow a gross weight increase to 1060lbs. As an additional benefit the wing tanks also allow for the creation of a baggage compartment in the fuselage behind the passenger seat. The XL-65 is powered by the ASTM certified 65 hp Rotax 582.
The new Challenger Light Sport series-XS-50, and XL-65, is our most dramatic step forward ever. These models incorporate numerous design enhancements driven by customer inputs. The goals were to make them easier to build and easier to fly, more ergonomic, and more rugged. They carry more payloads farther and faster. All while keeping the price at very affordable levels even with engine and instruments.
Proven Challenger 582 Power Pack
The new X-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 X-Series models have a larger tapered vertical tail and differential ailerons. 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 X-Series offers a new 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 Kits. 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 are introduced in the X-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.