Savannah S

The Savannah S, now Sleek and Sexy is the ICP flagship. The same aircraft as the Savannah VG XL but with a more sleeker ROUNDED fuselage. Now she does not only fly good but also looks good. “The Savannah has finally been taken out of the box” as one owner put it. The Savannah S retains all the stable flight characteristics of the former variants and the spaciousness of the XL. The cabin is a full 43″ and also 6″ longer than the VG with forward and aft rudder pedal position options “vir die lang kêrels”. If you are taller than 185 cm (6′ 1″) or heavier than 100 kg (220 lb) you would probably be more comfortable in the S or XL.

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Savannah S (Taildragger)

The Savannah S (Taildragger), has the same flight characteristics as the tricycle version except of course the landing and take-off technique must be adjusted for the tail wheel. If you have a need to look the part then this is your aircraft.

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Savannah VG XL

The Savannah VG XL is virtually the same aircraft as the Savannah VG, but modified to accommodate bigger people. South Africans are generally bigger than most and often need a little more shoulder and leg room. The cabin is 4″ wider than the standard VG, making it a full 43″ and also 6″ longer with adjustable rudder pedal positions. A lower leg position has allowed the panel to be deepened and instruments are now not quite so crowded.

The XL cowls have been completely redesigned making the front end of the aircraft far more streamlined with the now standard big spinner integrated into the sleeker lines of the aircraft. The end result; bigger cabin, 3 kg increased weight, 4 mph increased cruise speed. Visibility is also improved with increased door window size and the option of a clear or tinted lexan cabin roof.

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Savannah VG

The Savannah VG was developed when the ICP design team discovered that the Savannah flew better without its slats than with them. The wing still stalled at the same airspeed. ICP then modified the original wing forward of the spar to an NACA 61058 profile and installed to improve the stall characteristics.

Why the slats in the first place? The slatted wing is unbeatable for low speed stability but does come at a price: Increased drag and fuel consumption, lower cruise speed and glide ratio. The aircraft with slats can be controlled in the lateral axis entirely with the flapperons when stalled. This makes the slatted wing version particularly safe on approach and when flying low and slow. None of the Savannah variants will spin in the stalled attitude but the VG wing variants do require small rudder input in an asymmetric stall in order to keep wings level. It remains a very safe aircraft in all flight configurations.

The advantages of the VG wing are significant. The aircraft will cruise 8 mph faster at the same rpm setting, climbs at 100 fpm quicker, has a significantly improved glide ratio and a more gentle let down when flaring for the landing. Fuel consumption at the same cruise speed as the slatted wing version is 20% improved. The Savannah VG has retained all the STOL characteristics of the slatted variant and has given the aircraft more efficient aerodynamics and consequently a better range making it an extremely versatile aircraft. With a stall speed ± 25% of cruise and consider that it can also lift its own empty mass and you will battle to find a rival anywhere.

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Savannah MXP740

The Original “Classic” Savannah with Leading edge slats, was an improved derivative of the Zenair CH701: Cruise (75%) 88 mph, Stall 28 mph, Climb 900 fpm, Glide 8:1, Immensely stable in the stall. It will tolerate crossed controls and extreme aileron input, but can dump you on the deck with a high flare on landing. The best variant for those 50 feet off the deck stuff. Game management. Photography. Surveillance work.