View source for Zenith STOL CH 701

{{Short description|Canadian family of light, two-seat aircraft}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=February 2022}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name = CH 701 & CH 750
 |image = ZenairCH701C-GBRT01.jpg
 |caption = Zenair CH 701 on amphibious floats
 |type = [[Kit aircraft]]
 |manufacturer = [[Zenith Aircraft Company]]
 |designer = [[Chris Heintz (aeronautical engineer)|Chris Heintz]]
 |first_flight = 1986
 |introduction = 1986
 |retired=
 |status= In production
 |primary_user =
 |more_users =
 |produced = 1986–present
 |number_built = 870 (CH 701, December 2011)<br />45 (CH 750, December 2011)<ref name="KitplanesDec2011" />
 |developed_from =
 |variants = [[Zenith STOL CH 801]]
}}
[[File:ZenairCH701photo01.JPG|thumb|A Zenith STOL CH 701 on wheels]]
[[File:Czech Aircraft Works Spol Sro ZENAIR CH 701 STOL.jpg|thumb|right|A Czech Aircraft Works-built CH 701]]
[[File:CH-750.JPG|right|thumb|AMD-built CH 750]]
[[File:Zenair STOL CH750 C-IKIM 1716.JPG|thumb|right|CH 750]]
[[File:Zenair STOL CH750 C-IKIM 1718.JPG|thumb|right|CH 750 instrument panel]]
[[File:CH701Turboprop.jpg|thumb|CH 701 Turboprop]]
[[File:CH701TurbopropFlight.jpg|thumb|right|CH 701 Turboprop in flight]]

The '''Zenith STOL CH 701''' and '''CH 750''' are a family of light, two-place [[home-built aircraft|kit-built]] [[STOL]] aircraft designed by Canadian aeronautical engineer [[Chris Heintz (aeronautical engineer)|Chris Heintz]] through his [[Midland, Ontario]], based company, [[Zenair]]. The CH 701 first flew in 1986 and the design is still in production.<ref name="KitplanesDec2011">Vandermeullen 2011, p. 77.</ref><ref name="KitPlanes">Kitplanes Staff  2007, p. 80.</ref> The CH 750 was first introduced in 2008.<ref name="Z750">[http://www.zenithair.com/stolch750/index.html "STOL CH 750 Light sport Utility."] ''Zenith Aircraft Company'', July 2008. Retrieved: September 4, 2017</ref> The CH 701 was later developed into the four-place [[Zenith STOL CH 801]].<ref name="KitPlanes"/><ref name="WDLA11">Bayerl et al. 2011, p. 128.</ref>

The kit is produced and distributed in the US by the [[Zenith Aircraft Company]] of [[Mexico, Missouri]], and complete drawings, including blueprints and manuals, are also available for the design. In Europe, the CH 701 was manufactured under license by [[Czech Aircraft Works]] (CZAW) from 1992 until 2006, when the license agreement was ended.{{TOC limit|limit=2}}

==Design and development==
Designed for off-runway operations, the all-metal CH 701 has many features that contribute to the aircraft's capabilities, such as a high-lift wing with full-span, non-movable [[leading edge slot]]s, an all-flying [[rudder]], large tires, [[flaperons]] and an inverted [[elevator (aircraft)|elevator]]. Heintz also designed a unique tricycle gear amphibious float system for the CH 701.<ref name="WDLA11" />

Standard engines used are the {{convert|64|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 582]] [[two-stroke]], the {{convert|80|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 912UL]], the {{convert|100|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Rotax 912ULS]] and the {{convert|85|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Jabiru 2200]] [[four-stroke]] powerplants.<ref name="WDLA11" /><ref name="ZenithEngines">[http://www.zenithair.com/stolch701/7-engine.html "STOL CH 701 Engine."] ''[[Zenith Aircraft]]'', January 12, 2009. Retrieved: September 5, 2017.</ref> The aircraft has also been equipped with the [[JLT Motors Ecoyota]] engine,<ref name="WDLA15">Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: ''World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16'', pages 256-257. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. {{ISSN|1368-485X}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://ecoyota.neuf.fr/Page_1x.html/|title = Le Nouveau Moteur 4 Temps Pour Ulm|access-date = 15 March 2018|author=JLT Motors|work = ecoyota.neuf.fr|year=2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081014121101/http://ecoyota.neuf.fr:80/Page_1x.html/|archive-date = 14 October 2008}}</ref> as well as popular 4 cylinder Continental engines (A-65/C-85) which Zenith still offers an engine mount for.<ref>{{Cite web |title=STOL CH 701 Engine / Powerplant |url=http://www.zenithair.com/stolch701/7-engine.html |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=www.zenithair.com}}</ref>

The STOL CH 701 has the unique distinction of being what is probably the most copied light aircraft in production today. Several dozen unauthorized versions have been produced around the world.<ref name="WDLA11" /><ref>[http://www.zenithair.com/stolch701/7-photo-copies.html 'STOL CH701.'] ''Zenith Aircraft''. Retrieved: September 5, 2017.</ref>

Designed to the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association of Canada (LAMAC) design standard DS 10141, in its native country of [[Canada]] the CH 701 can be built and flown as a [[basic ultralight]], [[advanced ultralight]] or amateur-built.<ref>[http://www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/general/recavi/Ultralight/ULTransitionStrategy/menu.htm "Ultra-light Transition Strategy."] ''Transport Canada'', April 2007. Retrieved: September 4, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/general/CCARCS/advancedullist.htm "Listing of models eligible to be registered as advanced Ultra-Light aeroplanes (AULA)."] ''Transport Canada'', November 2007. Retrieved: September 4, 2017.</ref> The CH 701 can be flown under [[Ultralight aviation|microlight or ultralight]] rules in several other countries also. American pilots may fly the CH 701 under [[Light-sport Aircraft]] rules or as an experimental amateur-built.<ref name="KitPlanes"/> The CH 750 is designed to comply with the US [[Light sport aircraft]] rules.<ref name="Z750"/>

==Operational history==
By the fall of 2007, 750 CH 701s had been completed and were flying.<ref name="KitPlanes"/> In July 2014, representatives of the company gathered volunteers of the EAA Airventure airshow to build a CH-750 kit in a one-week timeframe.<ref>[https://issuu.com/eaahq/docs/avt_072714_final2 "Aviation community unites behind one week wonder."] ''Airventure Today'', July 27, 2014, p. 4. Retrieved: September 4, 2017.</ref>

==Variants==
;STOL CH 701 
:Original version. 960lbs gross and 10 gal header tank. steel spring gear and Rotax 503.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zenith STOL Serial No. 001 flies again — General Aviation News |url=https://generalaviationnews.com/2020/07/07/zenith-stol-serial-no-001-flies-again/ |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=generalaviationnews.com |date=7 July 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref>
;STOL CH 701SP
:Comes with two standard {{convert|10|u.s.gal}} wing tanks, solid aluminum spring gear. Smaller refinements to achieve a gross weight of 1100 lbs (500 kg).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.zenithair.com/stolch701/7-perf.html|title=STOL CH 701 Performance and Specifications: Real Short Take Off and Landing performance|website=www.zenithair.com|access-date=21 September 2018}}</ref>
;STOL CH 750
:Introduced at [[AirVenture]] 2008, the STOL CH 750 has an enlarged cabin with wider doors and is optimized for US [[Light Sport Aircraft]] rules with a maximum takeoff weight of 1320 lbs (600 kg). Builders may also opt to register it for operation on water at 1430 lbs (650 kg) while remaining within the LSA limits, or as an experimental amateur-built aircraft up to 1440 lbs (655 kg.)<ref name="Z750"/><ref name="WDLA11" /> The STOL CH 750 was also to be factory-built by [[Aircraft Manufacturing and Design|AMD]] as a [[Special Light Sport Aircraft]] but as of 2014 is listed by the FAA as no longer produced as an SLSA.<ref>[[Federal Aviation Administration]], [http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/light_sport/media/SLSA_Directory.xls "List of Approved SLSA."] ''FAA''. Retrieved: September 4, 2017.</ref>
[[File:CH750cruzer.jpg|thumb|right|CH750 Cruzer]]
;CH 750 Cruzer
:Introduced at [[Sun 'n Fun]] 2013, the CH-750 Cruzer uses a new wing without the leading-edge slats of the STOL CH 750, and a newly designed tail with a separate vertical fin and rudder, rather than the all-flying rudder of the STOL version. The model is optimized for cross-country speed rather than STOL capabilities, although the specified 350 ft (107 m) ground roll of the Cruzer qualifies as [[STOL]] by most definitions. It mounts [[wheel pants]] as standard (although these may be removed and larger wheels installed) and the prototype is powered by a {{convert|130|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[ULPower]] UL350is fuel injected engine, although other engines in the {{convert|100-160|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} range can be used.<ref name="Niles12Apr13">Niles, Russ. [http://www.avweb.com/news/snf/SunNFun2013_Zenair_750_Cruzer_208494-1.html "Zenair Introduces CH-750 Cruzer."] ''AVweb'', April 12, 2013. Retrieved: September 4, 2017.</ref><ref name="CH 750 Versions">[http://www.zenithair.com/stolch750/750-crz-performance.html "Zenith CH 750/Cruzer Comparison."] ''Zenith Aircraft''. Retrieved: September 4, 2017.</ref><ref name="WDLA15b">Tacke et al. 2015, p. 135.</ref>
;STOL CH750 Super Duty
:This model introduced greater carrying capacity and climb capabilities. It can be powered by engines with a range of {{convert|150|to|230|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, with the prototype powered by a {{convert|205|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Aero Sport Power IO-375]] powerplant, which gave a cruise speed of {{convert|105|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} and a rate of climb of 1350 fpm (6.9 m/s). Gross weight is {{convert|1900|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}, with a typical empty weight of {{convert|1100|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zenithair.net/introduction-ch-750-super-duty/|title=Zenith Aircraft Company|website=zenithair.net|access-date=30 March 2019}}</ref>
;Nuncats Sky jeep
: Electric-powered derivative of CH 750, that was first flown in January 2023.<ref>Batchelor 2021, p. 62.</ref><ref>Calderwood, Dave. [https://www.flyer.co.uk/electric-sky-jeep-from-old-buckenham-company/ "'Electric sky jeep' from Old Buckenham company"]. ''Flyer'', 11 May 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.avweb.com/recent-updates/experimentals/electric-zenith-ch-750-completes-first-flight/|title= Electric Zenith CH 750 Completes First Flight|access-date= 31 January 2023|last= O'Connor|first= Kate |work= AVweb|date= 30 January 2023|archive-url= https://archive.today/20230131132019/https://www.avweb.com/recent-updates/experimentals/electric-zenith-ch-750-completes-first-flight/|archive-date= 31 January 2023|url-status= live}}</ref>

==Operators==
:{{IND}}
*[[Indian Air Force]] - ordered 85 aircraft, with options for a further 48 for use by the [[National Cadet Corps (India)|National Cadet Corps]] with 25 in service by February 2001.<ref>"Airscene: Aero India" 2001, pp. 254–255.</ref>

==Specifications (CH 701)==
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993-94<ref name="Janes 93 p41">Lambert 1993, p. 41.</ref> and Zenith Aircraft<ref name="Specs 701">[http://www.zenithair.com/stolch701/7-perf.html "STOL CH 701 Performance and specifications."] ''Zenith Aircraft''. Retrieved: September 4, 2017.</ref>
|prime units?=imp<!-- imp or kts first for US aircraft, and UK aircraft pre-metrification, met(ric) first for all others. You MUST choose a format, or no specifications will show -->
<!--
        General characteristics
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|genhide=

|crew=two
|capacity=
|length m=
|length ft=20
|length in=11
|length note=
|span m=
|span ft=27
|span in=0
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|height ft=8
|height in=7
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|wing area sqm=
|wing area sqft=122.0
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=5.98:1<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg=
|empty weight lb=580
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=
|max takeoff weight lb=1100
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=20 US Gal (76 L)
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Rotax 912]]
|eng1 type=four-cylinder liquid-cooled [[piston engine]]
|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 hp=80<!-- prop engines -->

|prop blade number=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
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|prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
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|prop note=

<!--
        Performance
-->
|perfhide=

|max speed kmh=
|max speed mph=85
|max speed kts=
|max speed note=at sea level
|max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft -->
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed mph=80
|cruise speed kts=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=<!-- aerobatic -->
|stall speed mph=30<!-- aerobatic -->
|stall speed kts=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed mph=110
|never exceed speed kts=
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|minimum control speed kmh=
|minimum control speed mph=
|minimum control speed kts=
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|range km=
|range miles=372
|range nmi=
|range note=with standard fuel
|endurance=4.6 hours
|ceiling m=3,657.6
|ceiling ft=12,000
|ceiling note=
|g limits=+6/-3 (ultimate)
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|glide ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin=1,000
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|sink rate ms=<!-- sailplanes -->
|sink rate ftmin=<!-- sailplanes -->
|sink rate note=
|lift to drag=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading lb/sqft=9.0
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=
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|avionics=
}}

==See also==
*[[ICP Savannah]]
*[[Tapanee Pegazair-100]]
*[[Zenith STOL CH 801]]

==References==
===Notes===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* "Airscene: Aero India." ''[[Air International]]'', Volume 60, Issue 4, April 2001. {{ISSN|0306-5634}}.
* Batchelor, Tom. "The electric sky jeep". ''[[Air International]]'', Vol. 101, No. 1, July 2021. pp.&nbsp;62–66. {{ISSN|0306-5634}}.
* Bayerl, Robby, Martin Berkemeier, et al. ''World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12''. Lancaster UK: WDLA UK, 2011. {{ISSN|1368-485X}}.
* Kitplanes Staff. "2008 Kit Aircraft Directory." ''Kitplanes'', Volume 24, Number 12, December 2007. {{ISSN|0891-1851}}.
* Lambert, Mark, ed. ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993-94''. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Data Division, 1993. {{ISBN|0-7106-1066-1}}.
* Tacke, Willi, Marino Boric, et al. "World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16." ''Flying Pages Europe SARL'', 2015. {{ISSN|1368-485X}}.
* Vandermeullen, Richard: "2011 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide." ''Kitplanes'', Volume 28, Number 12, December 2011. {{ISSN|0891-1851}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.zenithair.com/stolch701/index1.html}}

{{Commons category multiple|Zenith STOL CH 701|Zenair STOL CH750}}
{{Zenair}}
{{Uncertified aircraft developed in Canada}}

[[Category:1980s Canadian ultralight aircraft]]
[[Category:Light-sport aircraft]]
[[Category:Zenair aircraft|CH 701]]
[[Category:Zenith aircraft|CH 701]]
[[Category:Homebuilt aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:STOL aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1986]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft with fixed tricycle landing gear]]