Dave Higdon/OSHKOSH
Renaissance Aircraft expects to resurrect production in October of the classic Luscombe 8F Silvaire light aircraft.
Maryland-based Renaissance will use international suppliers to keep the base price of the all-metal taildragger at $69,500, president John Deardon said during the Experimental Aircraft Association convention at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on 28 July-3 August.
Parts for the side-by-side two-seater will be made by Czech Aircraft Works in the Czech Republic, although assembly will be conducted by a new company in Eastman, Georgia, founded by the sons of Zenith Aircraft owner Chris Heintz. The company expects to deliver five aircraft by year-end and to increase production to about 50 Silvaires next year.
Compared with the earlier model, last built in the early 1960s, the 8F will have more utility for cross-country missions. The biggest improvement is in engine power, with a 110kW (150hp) Textron Lycoming O-320 replacing the 70kW Teledyne Continental. The 8F will boast a cruise speed of about 125kt (230km/h), up from the 105kt of earlier versions. Gross weight will be 820kg (1,800lb), up by 180kg and enough to give the aircraft a range of about 1,600km (850nm) with a useful load of 390kg.
Renaissance plans to offer the 8F with equipment levels ranging from the basic model, devoid of avionics or gyro instruments, up to a full AlliedSignal-equipped instrument flight rules-capable version for under $100,000.
Source: Flight International
