Performance Turbine Legend

The Performance Turbine Legend is an American sports monoplane designed by Performance Aircraft for sale as a kit for amateur construction.

Design and development
The Legend is a streamlined low-wing monoplane mainly constructed of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer. It has swept-back tail surfaces with a mid-mounted tailplane and tapered wings, with optional winglets. The prototype was powered by a 575 hp Chevrolet V-8 engine with a three-bladed tractor propeller and a ventral air-scoop, the Turbine Legend has a 724 shp Walter M601 turboprop with a three-bladed tractor propeller. The Legend has a retractable tricycle landing gear; the mainwheels retract inwards and the nosewheel rearwards. The enclosed cockpit has room for two persons in tandem seats with dual controls and has a rear-hinged, upward-opening, canopy with a fixed windscreen.

The Legend was first flown in 1996 by Performance Aircraft and the prototype was converted into a Turbine Legend in 1999.

The assets of Performance Aircraft were taken over by Lanny Rundell to be marketed by Legend Aircraft of Winnsboro, Louisiana.

Operational history
In a March 2020 review for Kitplanes, writer Doug Rozendaal described the takeoff: "the acceleration is like a jet fighter." He also praised the handling and the fit and finish of the design.

Variants

 * Legend
 * Piston-engined variant, powered by a 575 shp Chevrolet V-8 automotive conversion piston engine.


 * Turbine Legend
 * Turboprop-engined variant, powered by a 724 shp Walter M601 turboprop engine.


 * JC 100
 * A Turbine Legend built by Toys 4 Boys in 2000, designated the JC 100


 * Turbine Legend (Garrett Edition)
 * A Turbine Legend was built by Innovative Wings Inc. utilizing a 1100 hp Garrett TPE331-10 engine.


 * Turbine Legend Venom
 * A military version marketed by Venom Military Aircraft and intended for the training and light attack roles. It has a 750 shp GE H75 engine, major changes to the wing design, a carbon fiber composite structure, fuel capacity increased to 145 u.s.gal, full digital panel, electric remote canopy, aft spar flaps system and electric Fowler flaps. No sales have yet been announced.