Legend
Turbine Legend
Role Homebuilt sportplane
National origin United States
Manufacturer Performance Aircraft
Legend Aircraft
First flight 1996
Number built 28 (March 2020)

The Performance Turbine Legend is an American sports monoplane designed by Performance Aircraft for sale as a kit for amateur construction.[1][2][3]

Design and development

The Legend is a streamlined low-wing monoplane mainly constructed of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer.[1] It has swept-back tail surfaces with a mid-mounted tailplane and tapered wings, with optional winglets. The prototype was powered by a 575 hp (429 kW) Chevrolet V-8 engine with a three-bladed tractor propeller and a ventral air-scoop, the Turbine Legend has a 724 shp (540 kW) Walter M601 turboprop with a three-bladed tractor propeller.[1] The Legend has a retractable tricycle landing gear; the mainwheels retract inwards and the nosewheel rearwards.[1] The enclosed cockpit has room for two persons in tandem seats with dual controls and has a rear-hinged, upward-opening, canopy with a fixed windscreen.[1][2]

The Legend was first flown in 1996 by Performance Aircraft and the prototype was converted into a Turbine Legend in 1999.[1]

The assets of Performance Aircraft were taken over by Lanny Rundell to be marketed by Legend Aircraft of Winnsboro, Louisiana.[1]

Operational history

In a March 2020 review for Kitplanes, writer Doug Rozendaal described the takeoff: "the acceleration is like a jet fighter." He also praised the handling and the fit and finish of the design.[3]

Variants

Legend
Piston-engined variant, powered by a 575 shp (429 kW) Chevrolet V-8 automotive conversion piston engine.[1]
Turbine Legend
Turboprop-engined variant, powered by a 724 shp (540 kW) Walter M601 turboprop engine.[1]
JC 100
A Turbine Legend built by Toys 4 Boys in 2000, designated the JC 100[1]
Garrett Turbine Legend
Turbine Legend (Garrett Edition)
A Turbine Legend was built by Innovative Wings Inc. utilizing a 1,100 hp (820 kW) Garrett TPE331-10 engine.[4]
Turbine Legend Venom
A military version marketed by Venom Military Aircraft and intended for the training and light attack roles. It has a 750 shp (559 kW) GE H75 engine, major changes to the wing design, a carbon fiber composite structure, fuel capacity increased to 145 U.S. gallons (550 L; 121 imp gal), full digital panel, electric remote canopy, aft spar flaps system and electric Fowler flaps.[5] No sales have yet been announced.

Specifications (Turbine Legend)

Turbine Legend

Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2003-2004.[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 25 ft 9 in (7.84 m)
  • Wingspan: 28 ft 6 in (8.69 m)
  • Height: 9 ft 5 in (2.86 m)
  • Wing area: 101.0 sq ft (9.38 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 8.0
  • Empty weight: 2,050 lb (930 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 3,298 lb (1,496 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Walter M601 Turboprop, 720 hp (540 kW)
  • Propellers: 3-bladed Avia V 508E/84

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 356 mph (573 km/h, 309 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 334 mph (537 km/h, 290 kn) maximum at 25000 ft (7620 m)
  • Stall speed: 76 mph (123 km/h, 66 kn) landing configuration
  • Never exceed speed: 400 mph (643 km/h, 347 kn)
  • Range: 940 mi (1,520 km, 820 nmi) at max cruising speed with standard fuel and reserves
  • Service ceiling: 35,010 ft (10,670 m)
  • g limits: +6/-4
  • Rate of climb: 6,500 ft/min (33 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 32.67 lb/sq ft (159.5 kg/m2)

References

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Jackson 2003, p. 649
  2. 1 2 Vandermeullen, Richard: 2012 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide, Kitplanes, Volume 28, Number 12, December 2011, page 59. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
  3. 1 2 Rozendaal, Doug (March 10, 2020). "Kitplanes Flight Review: Turbine Legend". AVweb. Archived from the original on March 11, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
  4. ↑ "Innovative Wings Inc. - High Performance Experimental Aircraft Builder - Specialising in Composite Turbine Aircraft". innovativewings.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  5. ↑ "Venom Military Aircraft". venommilitaryaircraft.com. Retrieved July 5, 2015.

Bibliography

  • Jackson, Paul (2003). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2003-2004. Coulsdon, Surrey, United Kingdom: Jane's Information Group. ISBN 0-7106-2537-5.

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