US manufacturer American Legend Aircraft has introduced a high-performance version of its Legend Cub, called the Super Legend XP.
The company says the Super Legend XP is now a better aircraft for back-country flying and off-airport operations.
Modifications including square wing tips and extended flaps and ailerons have improved slow speed-characteristics, whilst resulting in a higher top speed and greater control authority.
The manufacturer has also extended the landing gear so the wheels are 75 mm forward and 75 mm higher. The results are increased angle of attack for better take-off performance and improved braking with heavier engines.
Launch customer Joe Edwards was enthusiastic about the potential of his new aeroplane.
“The XP is the best of all worlds," he said. "It cruises more comfortably and it performs short take-offs and landings with the best them. My XP stalls at 8 MPH less, at approximately 25 MPH, with its longer flaps.
“There’s a cosmetic benefit too. The XP looks bigger, larger, and heavier. More importantly, the performance goals we achieved met all my expectations.”
American Legend's Super Legend brought high performance engines to the traditional Piper Cub platform, with a 115-hp Lycoming O-233 increasing the aircraft’s power-to-weight ratio to the equivalent of a 150-hp Super Cub. Adding a Titan engine to the Super Legend HP increased power even more.
The Super Legend XP with Titan engine will run either mogas or avgas.
More information on the American Legend range of aircraft is on the company's website.