Lancair 235
Lancair · United States · first flew 1984 · light aircraft
The Lancair 235 was the original Lancair homebuilt design, a two-seat composite low-wing aircraft introduced in 1984 that established Lancair's reputation for high performance through low drag. Its natural laminar flow wing and glassfibre construction gave it a cruise speed rivalling certified aircraft with far more powerful engines.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.1 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Very sleek composite low-wing two-seater with retractable undercarriage
- Natural laminar flow aerofoil giving extremely smooth wing surfaces
- Small side-by-side cockpit under a low-profile canopy
An exceptionally clean low-wing composite two-seater, smaller and narrower than the later four-seat ES. The short 7.16 m wingspan and retractable undercarriage give it a purposeful dart-like profile. The narrow cockpit and low canopy distinguish it from the wider ES.
Specifications
- The Lancair 235 has a length of 6.1 m (20 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.16 m (23 ft).
- Typical crew: 2 (side by side).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designer Lance Neibauer of Bend, Oregon introduced the Lancair 235 kit in the early 1980s as a radical departure from traditional homebuilt construction, using composite materials and computer-designed laminar flow aerofoils. The design spawned the 320, 360, and ultimately the IV and ES family, making Lancair one of the most influential homebuilt kit manufacturers.
Variants
The 235 was followed by the 320 (160 hp) and 360 (180 hp), which used the same basic airframe with uprated engines; the 235 designation denotes the Lycoming O-235 engine.
Where you'll see it
Operated by homebuilders across North America and internationally on the experimental register; some examples remain flying.
Related aircraft
- Lancair ES
- Lancair Evolution
- Advanced Aeromarine Buccaneer
- Aeromot AMT-200 Ximango
- Cessna Citation S/II
- Dickey E-Racer
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