Zenith “Super-Cruzer” Anyone?

So, I’ve completed the restore of a 2000’ grass strip here in NC (just east of Charlotte) and working on building the house, garage and hangar and dreaming of the day when I can start on my Zenith project. My wife and I already built the Cruzer rudder but have been hoping the LSA weight increase goes through and if so, would love the extra gross weight of the Super Duty but with the added speed of the Cruzer. Hence, the idea of a “Super Cruzer”.  I would like to see if anyone else has thought about this and come up with any ideas on possibly putting a modified Cruzer wing on the Super Duty platform. Thoughts?

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Permalink Reply by Joshua Bardell on February 25, 2021 at 11:16am

I am in the process of building a CruzerSTOL (Instagram: Zenith750CruzerSTOL), which is similar to what you are talking about. My build has the following customization with the goal of high speed cruise speeds and short T/O capabilities for high DA flying. I am staying with the Cruzer fuse though because I don't need a 3rd seat.

- Cruzer kit with the following modifications:

- SD gear legs

- 27.5" tires

- SD brakes with MC5 master cylinders with Match amplifiers

- Vortex Generators

- Lycoming/Titan/EdgePerformance 160-180 hp

- STOL dual wing struts and jury struts

Open item trying to solve: fitment of 48 gallons of fuel vs. the standard 30 gal.

Permalink Reply by Thomas Godbout on February 28, 2021 at 3:42pm
Hello Josh:

Your building the Zenith CH750 that I’d like to build. And, I plan to do so! I’ve got to be careful with weight because I’m limited to LSA gross weight of 1,320 lbs.

With regard to your fuel issue, take a look at ATL Fuel Cells. In a previous life, I used to race formula cars in SCCA. The only thing that separated me from the fuel cell was the fiberglass seat. I’m pretty confident that use something from ATL or a competitor company to enable you to carry additional fuel in or in close proximity to the passenger compartment. Best of luck on your build!

Regards,

Tom Godbout
Permalink Reply by Joshua Bardell on March 1, 2021 at 8:36am

Thanks. I will look into that soon as I can find out how to resolve the rib at station 960 which is limiting my ability to expand the tank size an additional 6 gal.

Permalink Reply by Jim Pantas on December 23, 2023 at 5:40am

I would think you could add more engine (150 hp?) to the Cruzer and move some weight rearward and achieve the same thing?

BTW - I live just east of Charlotte, Mt Pleasant, where is your strip?

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