TEXAN Top Class 550 LSA

The Texan Top Class has proved to be a popular choice, especially for those with speed, comfort and reliability in mind. The Texan Top Class comes in 3 models, the 600, the 550 model, and the Club. Featured here is the TC 550 model. This two-seater, three-axis low wing aircraft is designed with superior performance and maximum comfort in mind, featuring the roomiest cabin in its class. The excellent views, very low noise level within the cabin and trademark quality and Hi-Tech construction distinguishes this classy aircraft from any of its competitors in the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category.

Enhancements since the early models

• New aerodynamically-enhanced cowling
• New aerodynamically-enhanced canopy
• New heavy-duty undercarriage
• Lockable fuel caps
• Increased MTOW
• New colors and interior trim designs

Engine and Propellers

The Texan TC is equipped with the powerful, proven and reliable Rotax 912 ULS, four-cylinder, four-stroke engine, along with reduction geared propeller with air/water cooling system. Our engines are fitted with the Rotax Airbox to give you the full 100 HP.

Aerodynamics

Engineers have carefully designed the aerodynamics of this aircraft, and have translated aerodynamic efficiency into short take-off and landing runs, rapid climb and fast cruise speed with modest fuel consumption.

Maintenance and Safety

Deliberately re-engineered for tough Australian conditions, the new Texan TC remains durable and low maintenance throughout the aircraft’s lifespan. Like its predecessor, the latest Texans feature a Hi-Tech semimonocoque style reinforced structure encased in carbon fiber matrix, thus ensuring the strongest possible fuselage design. The Texan also has a rollover protection bar incorporated into the structure and the overall strength of this aircraft far exceeds the specifications of the majority of aircraft in the sports category worldwide. Move up to 21st Century technology, designed for the modern aviator.

Wing

The wing is rectangular with laminar flow (aerofoil) and separate fowler flaps that work independently to the ailerons. Both of these control surfaces are integrated into the profile of the wing for drag minimization and greater control authority. Each wing is constructed using the latest in composite material technology. The internal wing structure is made with carbon fiber, epoxy resin and honeycomb sandwich skin, resulting in a reliable, strong, light and stiff structure. Bother ailerons and flaps are also made from composite material, on which linkages and hinges are directly attached. Each aileron is hinged on a support, which is fixed to the wing, and the movement is directly damped and balanced by counterweights, which improve the control response and also serve as an anti-flutter mechanism. The wings are connected to the fuselage through specific anchorage points and the spars are linked with specially designed bolts. Two fuel tanks of 50 liters each are integrated into the wing shells.

Fuselage

The fuselage is integrally constructed in carbon fiber with resin and honeycomb sandwich skin, stiffened by five bulkheads to provide extra strength and rigidity. The tail boom is an integral extension of the fuselage they are constructed together for greater strength and aerodynamic shape. The front zone of the fuselage has a firewall made of stainless steel. It supports the engine mount and associated mechanical components. The pantographic Plexiglas canopy, and thermoformed windshield with integral safety roll frame gives the pilot and passenger excellent 360-degree views of the outside world. The new models have been redesigned for enhanced aerodynamic performance. The very strong fuselage supports the main landing gear. The seats are made with composite matrix structure, fastened securely to the fuselage frame along with full harness safety belts. Each seat is adjustable and upholstered in a soft fabric material or upgradeable to all leather as an option.

Empennage

The composite empennage is both light and rigid, with an integrated fin. The rudder is attached via two metal hinges especially designed and fixed directly to the composite structure. The large all flying stabilator and rudder section allow for full control authority during low speed flying. Pitch trim is controlled by the anti-servo trim tab. The stabilator is weight-balanced for safety and better control at high speed. A special fin is fitted to the under-side of the fuselage boom for increased lateral-directional stability. All control surfaces are easily removed should a repair be required (reduced maintenance cost).

Landing Gear

The landing gear has been strengthened to absorb vibrations, shocks and bumps experienced during rough take-off and landings from country strips. The fixed tricycle configuration with rudder pedal steerable front nose wheel and oil filled oleo strut. The main gear is composed of two spring steel tubular legs bolted to the fuselage for easy maintenance. A strong metal structure connects each leg to the fuselage at the heavy-duty longitudinal section of the airframe. The wheels are made from aluminum alloy, split-rim type for easy maintenance, with sealed bearings and pneumatic tyres. Disk brakes are hydraulically operated and controlled by the central control lever, which also acts as a park brake. Fiberglass fairings cover the wheels and legs to reduce drag and provide better performance.

Control Surfaces and Mechanisms

Being a true three-axis aircraft the Texan is controlled by low drag aerodynamic fully balanced and harmonized ailerons, stabilator and rudder. The control stick forces acting through aluminum push-pull direct acting control tubes operate the ailerons and stabilator. The stabilator is provided with an automatic anti-servo trim tab. The ailerons are designed to give asymmetrical deflection (reduced adverse yaw), ensuring minimal rudder input during a turn. Stainless steel cables connected to the foot pedals control the rudder. Flaps are operated through an electric servo actuator. It is provided with a position indicator on the instrument panel that displays the angle of deflection in degrees. The Texan is easily the most harmonized and best balanced aircraft you could wish to fly, a select group of lucky pilots in Australia fly them. Why not make the Texan your next aircraft?

Flight and Engine Instruments

The Texan TC 550 as supplied in standard ready to fly configuration with the following flight and engine instruments:

• Airspeed indicator,
• Tru Trak ADI Artificial Horizon/Pitch, Bank & balance, 
• Altimeter,
• Rate of climb indicator, VSI
• Vertical Card Magnetic compass,
• RPM indicator,
• Flap position indicator,
• Two fuel level indicator
• Two low fuel level warning lamps,
• Generator warning lamp,
• Oil pressure indicator,
• Oil temperature indicator,
• Fuel pressure indicator,
• Cylinders Head Temperature,
• Hour-meter, and
• Exhaust Gas Temperature.