Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the amazing Bellanca Super Viking 300, a true legend in the aviation world. This aircraft has a rich history and a reputation for performance and style. If you're a pilot, aviation enthusiast, or simply curious about this beautiful bird, you're in the right place. We'll be covering everything from its engine specs to its dimensions, weight, and performance figures. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the Bellanca Super Viking 300

The Bellanca Super Viking 300 is a single-engine, high-performance, retractable-gear aircraft that was first introduced in the late 1960s. Known for its distinctive wooden wing and smooth handling characteristics, the Super Viking quickly gained a following among pilots who appreciated its blend of speed, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. Throughout its production run, the Super Viking underwent several refinements and improvements, but it always retained its core design and character. Its unique construction, combining a steel-tube fuselage with wood wings and fabric covering, set it apart from its contemporaries and contributed to its exceptional strength and aerodynamic efficiency. The Super Viking isn't just an airplane; it's a statement. It's for pilots who appreciate the finer things in aviation and want an aircraft that can deliver both performance and panache. Whether you're planning a cross-country trip or simply want to enjoy a spirited afternoon flight, the Super Viking is up to the task. Its comfortable cabin, ample baggage space, and impressive range make it a versatile and capable machine. And with its responsive controls and forgiving handling, it's a joy to fly, even for pilots with limited experience in high-performance aircraft. Over the years, the Super Viking has earned a reputation for reliability and durability. Many examples are still flying today, a testament to the quality of their construction and the dedication of their owners. With proper maintenance and care, a Super Viking can provide many years of enjoyable flying. So, if you're looking for an aircraft that combines classic style with modern performance, the Bellanca Super Viking 300 is definitely worth considering. Its unique blend of features and capabilities makes it a standout in the world of general aviation.

Engine Specifications

Let's talk power! At the heart of the Bellanca Super Viking 300 lies its impressive engine. The standard powerplant is the Lycoming IO-540-K1G5, a six-cylinder, horizontally opposed, fuel-injected engine that delivers a whopping 300 horsepower. This engine is renowned for its reliability, smooth operation, and ample power, making it a perfect match for the Super Viking's airframe. The Lycoming IO-540 is a workhorse in the aviation world, powering a wide range of aircraft from Cessna 206s to Piper Saratogas. Its robust design and proven track record have made it a favorite among pilots and mechanics alike. The fuel injection system ensures smooth and efficient fuel delivery, resulting in excellent performance and fuel economy. With 300 horsepower on tap, the Super Viking can climb quickly, cruise at impressive speeds, and carry a substantial payload. The engine's smooth operation also contributes to the aircraft's comfortable ride, making it a pleasure to fly on long trips. Of course, proper maintenance is essential to keep the Lycoming IO-540 running smoothly. Regular oil changes, filter inspections, and timely overhauls are crucial to ensure its longevity and reliability. But with proper care, this engine can provide many years of trouble-free service. In terms of specific engine specs, the Lycoming IO-540-K1G5 has a displacement of 541.5 cubic inches and a compression ratio of 8.7:1. It's equipped with a dual magneto ignition system for added reliability and produces its rated 300 horsepower at 2,700 RPM. The engine also features a geared accessory drive, which powers the various accessories such as the alternator, vacuum pump, and fuel pump. Overall, the Lycoming IO-540-K1G5 is a well-designed and highly capable engine that perfectly complements the Bellanca Super Viking 300. Its power, reliability, and smooth operation make it an ideal choice for this classic aircraft. Whether you're a seasoned pilot or a newcomer to the Super Viking, you'll appreciate the performance and dependability of this exceptional engine. So next time you see a Super Viking soaring through the sky, remember the powerful Lycoming engine that makes it all possible.

Dimensions and Weight

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of size and weight. The Bellanca Super Viking 300 is a relatively compact aircraft, but it offers a surprising amount of interior space. Its dimensions are well-balanced, contributing to its agile handling and stable flight characteristics. The wingspan measures 34 feet 2 inches, providing ample lift for efficient cruising and confident landings. The overall length of the aircraft is 27 feet 9 inches, making it easy to maneuver on the ground and in the air. The height to the top of the tail is 8 feet 3 inches, which is relatively low for a high-performance aircraft, further enhancing its stability. In terms of weight, the Super Viking has an empty weight of around 2,100 pounds, depending on the specific equipment installed. The maximum takeoff weight is 3,325 pounds, giving it a useful load of over 1,200 pounds. This generous useful load allows you to carry plenty of fuel, passengers, and baggage without compromising performance. The baggage compartment has a capacity of 200 pounds, which is more than enough for most trips. The weight distribution is also carefully designed to ensure optimal handling and stability. The engine is mounted forward of the wing, which helps to balance the weight of the occupants and baggage in the rear of the aircraft. This ensures that the center of gravity remains within acceptable limits, even when fully loaded. The Super Viking's relatively light weight and efficient design contribute to its impressive performance. It can climb quickly, cruise at high speeds, and land in relatively short distances. Its weight-to-power ratio is also excellent, which helps to explain its nimble handling and responsive controls. Of course, it's important to always adhere to the weight and balance limitations outlined in the aircraft's Pilot Operating Handbook (POH). Exceeding these limits can negatively impact performance and handling, and it can even be dangerous. But if you follow the POH guidelines, you can be confident that your Super Viking will perform safely and reliably. So, whether you're planning a short hop or a long cross-country flight, the Bellanca Super Viking 300 has the size and weight characteristics to handle the job with ease. Its well-balanced dimensions and generous useful load make it a versatile and capable aircraft for a wide range of missions.

Performance Specifications

Now, let's get to the fun part: performance! The Bellanca Super Viking 300 is known for its impressive speed, climb rate, and range. These performance characteristics make it a popular choice among pilots who want an aircraft that can get them where they need to go quickly and efficiently. With its 300-horsepower engine and sleek airframe, the Super Viking can really move. The maximum cruise speed is around 195 knots (224 mph), which is quite respectable for a single-engine aircraft. This allows you to cover long distances in a relatively short amount of time, making it ideal for cross-country trips. The climb rate is also impressive, at around 1,200 feet per minute. This means you can quickly ascend to your desired altitude, even on hot days or with a full load. The service ceiling is 18,500 feet, giving you plenty of altitude to clear mountains and avoid weather. In terms of range, the Super Viking can fly up to 780 nautical miles (897 miles) with standard fuel tanks. This gives you the freedom to travel to far-off destinations without having to make frequent fuel stops. The takeoff distance is around 1,200 feet, and the landing distance is around 1,000 feet, making it suitable for use at many smaller airports. The stall speed is 61 knots (70 mph) with flaps extended, which is relatively low for a high-performance aircraft. This makes it easier to handle during landing and takeoff, especially in gusty conditions. The Super Viking's performance is also enhanced by its retractable landing gear. When the gear is retracted, the aircraft's drag is reduced, resulting in higher speeds and better fuel efficiency. The aircraft's handling is also excellent, thanks to its well-designed control surfaces and balanced weight distribution. The controls are responsive and precise, making it a pleasure to fly. Of course, it's important to remember that performance figures can vary depending on factors such as altitude, temperature, weight, and wind. It's always a good idea to consult the aircraft's Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) for accurate performance data and to plan your flights accordingly. But overall, the Bellanca Super Viking 300 is a high-performing aircraft that can deliver an exceptional flying experience. Its speed, climb rate, range, and handling make it a standout in the world of general aviation. So, if you're looking for an aircraft that can take you places in style and comfort, the Super Viking is definitely worth considering.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, folks! A comprehensive look at the Bellanca Super Viking 300 specs. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with a better understanding of this iconic aircraft and its impressive capabilities. From its powerful engine to its well-balanced dimensions and exceptional performance, the Super Viking is a true gem in the aviation world. Whether you're a seasoned pilot or just starting your aviation journey, the Super Viking offers a unique and rewarding flying experience. Its classic design, combined with its modern performance, makes it a standout in the crowded field of general aviation aircraft. And with proper maintenance and care, a Super Viking can provide many years of enjoyable flying. So, if you're looking for an aircraft that combines style, performance, and reliability, the Bellanca Super Viking 300 is definitely worth considering. Its rich history, distinctive appearance, and exceptional flying characteristics make it a true classic. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be soaring through the skies in your own Super Viking, experiencing the thrill of flight in one of the most beautiful and capable aircraft ever built. Thanks for joining me on this journey into the world of the Bellanca Super Viking 300. I hope you found it informative and entertaining. And remember, always fly safe and have fun! If you ever get the chance to fly a Super Viking, don't pass it up. It's an experience you won't soon forget.