TYPE: Two-seat lightplane.

PROGRAMME: Model 8 series of Champion developed by Bellanca as heavy-duty version of Model 7; second subvariant was 8GCBC, which received type approval on 30 April 1974.

CURRENT VERSIONS: Scout: Fixed-pitch propeller.
Super Scout: Constant-speed propeller.

CUSTOMERS: Total of 11 delivered in 2002 and six in first nine months of 2003, increasing total production to 446. Recent customers include the Department of Conservation and Land Management of Western Australia, which operates eight Scouts on fire spotting duties, replacing Piper Super Cubs.

COSTS: Scout: US$101,900; Scout CS: US$103,900 (both 2002).

DESIGN FEATURES: Upgraded version of Bellanca/Champion Scout, with new lighter and stronger metal spar wing with 300 per cent less deflection than previous wooden wings; circuit breakers; modern avionics; revised interior; and high-gloss weather-resistant exterior finish. Can operate from short fields while towing glider or banner; low speed assists pipeline, border patrol, forestry and wildlife management roles.
Wing section NACA 4412; dihedral 1°; incidence 1°.

FLYING CONTROLS: As for Explorer. Control surface movements: ailerons +27° 30'/-19°; elevators +29/-26°; rudder ±25°. Four-position trailing-edge flaps droop 7, 16, 21 and 27°.

STRUCTURE: As for Explorer, but metal belly skin optional.

LANDING GEAR: As for Aurora; main tyres 8.50-6 (4/6 ply); tail 5.00-5 (4 ply). Optional EDO 89-2000 floats or skis.

POWER PLANT: One 134 kW (180 hp) Textron Lycoming O-360-C1G flat-four engine, driving either a McCauley 1A200HFA80 fixed-pitch (in Scout) or Hartzell HC-C2YR-1BF/F7666A constant-speed (Super Scout) propeller; three-blade 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) Hartzell HC-C3YR-1RF/F7282 constant-speed propeller optional for Super Scout. Standard fuel capacity as for Aurora; optional additional tank increases total to 265 litres (70.0 US gallons; 58.3 imp gallons). Oil capacity 7.5 litres (2.0 US gallons; 1.7 Imp gallons).

ACCOMMODATION: As for Aurora. Heated and ventilated.

SYSTEMS: As for Aurora.

AVIONICS: As for Aurora.

EQUIPMENT: External baggage door standard. Options include cropduster package, long-range fuel tank and glider tow assembly.