The Bellanca Super Viking 300 is a legendary aircraft known for its unique design, impressive performance, and delightful flying characteristics. If you're an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about this remarkable airplane, you've come to the right place! This article dives deep into the Bellanca Super Viking 300 specs, performance figures, and other essential details. So, buckle up and get ready to explore everything that makes this aircraft so special.

Delving into the Bellanca Super Viking 300 Specs

Understanding the Bellanca Super Viking 300 specs is crucial for appreciating its capabilities. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the aircraft's dimensions, weights, engine, and other key specifications. The Super Viking is a single-engine, four-seat, high-performance aircraft known for its distinctive wooden wing and steel tube fuselage. This combination of materials contributes to its strength, rigidity, and smooth flying characteristics. Let's break down the specifics:

• Dimensions:
  • Wingspan: Typically around 34 feet (10.4 meters). This wingspan provides a good balance between maneuverability and lift, making the Super Viking a joy to fly in various conditions.
  • Length: Approximately 27 feet 9 inches (8.5 meters). The sleek fuselage design contributes to the aircraft's aerodynamic efficiency and overall performance.
  • Height: Around 8 feet 3 inches (2.5 meters). The height allows for ample ground clearance and contributes to the aircraft's distinctive appearance.
  • Wing Area: Approximately 161.5 sq ft (15.0 sq m). The wing area is optimized to provide sufficient lift while minimizing drag, resulting in efficient cruise performance.
• Weights:
  • Empty Weight: Roughly 1,950 pounds (885 kg). The relatively low empty weight contributes to the aircraft's impressive payload capacity and performance.
  • Gross Weight: Usually around 3,325 pounds (1,508 kg). This allows for a substantial payload, including passengers, baggage, and fuel, making the Super Viking a practical choice for both personal and business travel.
  • Useful Load: Approximately 1,375 pounds (624 kg). The useful load represents the weight that the aircraft can carry, including everything beyond its empty weight. This is a critical factor to consider when planning flights.
• Engine:
  • Engine Type: Lycoming IO-540 series. This is a six-cylinder, horizontally opposed, fuel-injected engine known for its reliability and power. The specific model within the IO-540 series may vary depending on the year and specific configuration of the Super Viking.
  • Horsepower: 300 horsepower. This high-power output is a key factor in the Super Viking's exceptional performance, allowing for quick takeoffs, steep climbs, and high cruise speeds.
• Propeller:
  • Constant Speed Propeller: Ensures optimal engine efficiency at various speeds and altitudes. The constant speed propeller automatically adjusts the blade pitch to maintain a constant engine RPM, maximizing performance and fuel economy.
• Fuel Capacity:
  • Typically around 75 gallons (284 liters). This provides a good range for cross-country flights. The fuel capacity allows for flights of several hours, making the Super Viking suitable for long-distance travel.
• Landing Gear:
  • Retractable Landing Gear: Enhances aerodynamic efficiency and contributes to higher cruise speeds. The retractable landing gear reduces drag, allowing the aircraft to fly faster and more efficiently.

These detailed specifications provide a solid foundation for understanding the Bellanca Super Viking 300's design and capabilities. Knowing these numbers helps pilots and enthusiasts appreciate the engineering that went into creating this iconic aircraft.

Unveiling the Performance Capabilities of the Bellanca Super Viking 300

The Bellanca Super Viking 300's performance is where this aircraft truly shines. With its powerful engine, efficient design, and retractable landing gear, it offers impressive speed, climb rate, and range. Let's explore the key performance figures that make the Super Viking a standout in its class. The Super Viking's performance is often compared to that of much newer and more expensive aircraft, highlighting its exceptional value and capabilities. Pilots consistently praise its handling characteristics and its ability to perform well in a variety of flight conditions.

• Speed:
  • Cruise Speed: Typically around 195-200 mph (314-322 km/h). This impressive cruise speed allows for quick and efficient travel over long distances. The Super Viking can cover significant ground in a relatively short amount of time, making it a popular choice for both business and personal trips.
  • Top Speed: Can reach speeds up to 215 mph (346 km/h). This top speed showcases the aircraft's aerodynamic efficiency and the power of its engine. While cruise speed is more commonly used for flight planning, the top speed demonstrates the aircraft's overall performance potential.
  • Stall Speed: Around 63 mph (101 km/h) with flaps down. A low stall speed is crucial for safe landings and takeoffs, especially on shorter runways. The Super Viking's stall speed is relatively low, contributing to its ease of handling and overall safety.
• Rate of Climb:
  • Typically around 1,400-1,600 feet per minute. This allows for quick ascents to altitude, enabling the aircraft to clear obstacles and reach optimal cruising altitudes efficiently. A high rate of climb is particularly useful when operating from airports with challenging terrain or when needing to quickly reach a desired altitude to avoid weather.
• Range:
  • Approximately 700-800 nautical miles (1,296-1,482 km) with standard fuel tanks. This range makes the Super Viking suitable for long cross-country flights without the need for frequent refueling stops. The range can be further extended with optional long-range fuel tanks, making it an even more versatile aircraft for long-distance travel.
• Service Ceiling:
  • Around 18,500 feet (5,639 meters). This allows the aircraft to fly above most weather systems and take advantage of favorable winds at higher altitudes. A high service ceiling also provides a margin of safety when flying over mountainous terrain.
• Takeoff and Landing Distance:
  • Takeoff Distance: Approximately 1,200 feet (366 meters). This relatively short takeoff distance allows the Super Viking to operate from a wide range of airports, including those with shorter runways.
  • Landing Distance: Approximately 1,000 feet (305 meters). Similar to the takeoff distance, the landing distance is also relatively short, contributing to the aircraft's versatility and ease of operation.

The performance figures of the Bellanca Super Viking 300 demonstrate its capabilities as a high-performance aircraft. Its speed, climb rate, and range make it a popular choice for pilots who demand both performance and efficiency. These factors contribute to the Super Viking's reputation as a true classic in aviation.

Handling and Flight Characteristics of the Bellanca Super Viking 300

Beyond the raw Bellanca Super Viking 300 specs and performance numbers, the Super Viking is celebrated for its exceptional handling and flight characteristics. Pilots often describe it as a responsive, stable, and enjoyable aircraft to fly. The control harmony is excellent, providing a smooth and predictable flying experience. The Super Viking is known for its well-harmonized controls, making it a joy to fly for both experienced pilots and those transitioning from other aircraft. Its predictable handling and stable platform make it a comfortable and confident aircraft to operate in a variety of conditions.

• Control Harmony:
  • The ailerons, elevator, and rudder are well-balanced, providing a coordinated and responsive feel. This allows for smooth and precise control inputs, making the aircraft easy to handle in various flight conditions. The control harmony is a key factor in the Super Viking's reputation as a pilot-friendly aircraft.
• Stability:
  • The Super Viking exhibits excellent stability in all three axes (pitch, roll, and yaw). This contributes to a comfortable and predictable flying experience, especially during long cross-country flights. The stability of the aircraft reduces pilot workload and enhances overall safety.
• Responsiveness:
  • The aircraft responds quickly and precisely to control inputs, allowing for precise maneuvering and accurate flight control. This responsiveness makes the Super Viking a joy to fly and allows pilots to confidently handle challenging situations.
• Handling in Turbulence:
  • The Super Viking handles turbulence relatively well, providing a stable and comfortable ride even in bumpy conditions. The aircraft's robust construction and well-dampened flight controls contribute to its ability to handle turbulence effectively.
• Landing Characteristics:
  • The Super Viking is known for its smooth and predictable landing characteristics. The low stall speed and effective flaps make it easy to land even on shorter runways. Pilots often praise the Super Viking's docile landing behavior, making it a relatively easy aircraft to master for landings.

These handling and flight characteristics make the Bellanca Super Viking 300 a favorite among pilots. Its combination of responsiveness, stability, and smooth control harmony creates a truly enjoyable flying experience. Whether you're a seasoned pilot or a student, the Super Viking offers a rewarding and satisfying flight experience.

The Legacy and Appeal of the Bellanca Super Viking 300

The Bellanca Super Viking 300 is more than just an airplane; it's a piece of aviation history. Its unique design, impressive performance, and delightful handling have earned it a devoted following among pilots and enthusiasts. The Super Viking's legacy is a testament to the vision and engineering prowess of the Bellanca Aircraft Corporation. Its enduring popularity is a reflection of its exceptional qualities and its ability to deliver a truly unique flying experience. The Super Viking remains a sought-after aircraft, appreciated for its performance, handling, and classic appeal.

• Classic Design:
  • The Super Viking's distinctive wooden wing and steel tube fuselage give it a unique and timeless appearance. This classic design sets it apart from other aircraft in its class and contributes to its enduring appeal. The use of wood in the wing construction is a testament to the ingenuity of Bellanca's engineers.
• Performance and Efficiency:
  • The Super Viking offers a compelling combination of speed, range, and fuel efficiency. This makes it a practical and enjoyable aircraft for both personal and business travel. Its performance capabilities allow pilots to cover long distances quickly and efficiently, while its fuel efficiency helps to keep operating costs reasonable.
• Pilot Appeal:
  • The Super Viking is known for its exceptional handling and flight characteristics, making it a favorite among pilots of all skill levels. Its responsive controls, stable platform, and smooth flying qualities create a truly enjoyable flying experience. Pilots often describe the Super Viking as a "pilot's airplane," praising its handling and overall flying experience.
• Community and Support:
  • A strong community of Super Viking owners and enthusiasts provides ample support and resources for maintaining and flying these aircraft. This community is a valuable resource for pilots, offering advice, technical expertise, and a shared passion for the Super Viking.

The legacy and appeal of the Bellanca Super Viking 300 are undeniable. It's a classic aircraft that continues to inspire and delight pilots around the world. Whether you're a seasoned aviator or simply an aviation enthusiast, the Super Viking is sure to capture your imagination.

In conclusion, the Bellanca Super Viking 300 is a truly remarkable aircraft that combines classic design with impressive performance and exceptional handling. Its detailed Bellanca Super Viking 300 specs reveal the engineering that went into creating this iconic airplane, while its performance figures demonstrate its capabilities as a high-performance machine. The Super Viking's legacy and appeal are a testament to its enduring qualities and its ability to deliver a truly unique flying experience. So next time you see a Super Viking soaring through the sky, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and performance of this aviation classic!