Christen Eagle II
Christen Industries · United States · first flew 1977 · light aircraft
The Christen Eagle II is a two-seat aerobatic biplane designed for competition aerobatics and sport flying, marketed as a high-quality homebuilt kit. It is widely regarded as one of the finest aerobatic biplanes available to private builders.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 5.46 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Two-seat aerobatic biplane sold in kit form
- Symmetrical biplane with equal-span upper and lower wings
- Inverted fuel and oil systems for sustained negative-g flight
A compact equal-span biplane with open tandem cockpits, a round cowled Lycoming engine, and a classic symmetric profile designed around the aerobatic envelope.
Specifications
- The Christen Eagle II has a length of 5.46 m (18 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 6.07 m (20 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 296 km/h (184 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (tandem).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Frank Christensen and first flown in 1977, the Eagle II was developed as an all-metal biplane kit with factory-quality components. Pitts Aerobatics later acquired the design. The Eagle II has accumulated a strong safety record and remains popular in aerobatic competition circles.
Variants
The single-seat Eagle I preceded the two-seat Eagle II. Pitts subsequently offered the design through its own distribution network.
Where you'll see it
Widely operated by private owners and aerobatic competitors in North America and internationally. Not used by any military or commercial operator.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.