Zenith Unveils the CH 750 Super Cruzer

Zenith Aircraft has unveiled its latest all-metal kit aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, introducing the CH 750 Super Cruzer, a versatile high-wing aircraft designed to bridge the gap between traditional STOL utility aircraft and comfortable cross-country cruisers.

The new design takes advantage of the expanded opportunities created by the United States' Modernisation of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) regulations, offering recreational pilots an aircraft with greater payload, improved cruise performance and the flexibility to tackle both long-distance touring and short-field operations.

The prototype made its public debut after flying to Oshkosh from Zenith's factory in Mexico, Missouri, where it completed its initial flight-test programme.

The CH 750 Super Cruzer represents the next evolution of Zenith's successful CH 750 family. Drawing heavily on the rugged load-carrying capabilities of the CH 750 Super Duty and the higher-speed characteristics of the CH 750 Cruzer, the new aircraft aims to offer the best attributes of both models.

Designed by the late renowned aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz, whose aircraft have become staples of the amateur-built community worldwide, the Super Cruzer retains the generous useful load and forgiving flying qualities of the Super Duty while incorporating aerodynamic improvements to significantly boost cruise performance.

Unlike a pure backcountry aircraft, the Super Cruzer is aimed at pilots who spend more time travelling between destinations but still want the reassurance of impressive short take-off and landing (STOL) capability when required. Zenith has confirmed that the new model complements rather than replaces the existing CH 750 range, allowing builders to select the aircraft that best suits their flying mission.

The aircraft features a spacious 127 cm wide cockpit with side-by-side seating and a rear jump seat in a 2+1 configuration, providing additional flexibility for luggage or an occasional third occupant.

Large bubble doors provide exceptional visibility in all directions while making entry and exit remarkably easy. The cockpit layout has also been modernised, featuring a centrally mounted Garmin G3X display that frees up shelf space ahead of both occupants, creating a more open and uncluttered environment. For pilots accustomed to larger general aviation aircraft, the ergonomics should feel immediately familiar.

Although retaining much of the proven Super Duty airframe, the Super Cruzer incorporates a new wing profile optimised for cruise efficiency rather than maximum STOL performance. A redesigned tail and numerous aerodynamic refinements, including wheel fairings and improved cowl and strut fairings, help the aircraft achieve substantially higher cruise speeds.

Powered by a standard 180 hp Lycoming O-360 driving a three-blade ground-adjustable Sensenich propeller, the prototype has demonstrated cruise speeds exceeding 120 mph during initial testing. Its VNE of 150 mph is a considerable increase over the Super Duty variant, making it a much more practical aircraft for cross-country touring while retaining impressive short-field performance.

According to Zenith Aircraft President Sebastien Heintz, the new aircraft is a logical response to the opportunities presented by the new MOSAIC regulations. "The CH 750 Super Cruzer is a natural evolution of the highly successful STOL CH 750 Super Duty and CH 750 Cruzer models," Heintz said. "It blends higher payload capability with greater cross-country performance while taking advantage of MOSAIC's expanded definition of what a Sport Pilot can fly."

The aircraft is expected to appeal to recreational aviators looking for a capable touring aircraft without sacrificing the forgiving handling and versatility traditionally associated with Zenith designs. Zenith test and demonstration pilot Roger Dubbert, recipient of the 2024 Spirit of Flight Award from the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, praised the prototype's handling qualities.

He noted that the controls were exceptionally well balanced from the very first flight and said general aviation pilots would quickly feel comfortable in the aircraft. According to Dubbert, the combination of useful load, comfortable cabin, respectable cruise speed and retained STOL capability makes the Super Cruzer an unusually versatile design within the kit aircraft market.

Zenith has long built its reputation on producing kits that are approachable for first-time builders, and the Super Cruzer continues that philosophy. Much of the airframe shares common components with the CH 750 Super Duty, allowing Zenith to utilise its highly refined manufacturing process featuring final-hole-size, match-drilled aluminium parts produced on CNC machinery.

Assembly relies primarily on blind (pull) rivets, significantly reducing build complexity compared with many traditional kit aircraft. Zenith estimates a typical build time of less than 400 hours, placing the Super Cruzer among the quickest all-metal aircraft to complete. Builders will also retain compatibility with Zenith's innovative repositionable "Un-panel" instrument panel system and will be able to choose from engines ranging between 140 and 230 horsepower.

The company announced that amphibious float options will be available for the Super Cruzer, increasing maximum gross weight to 2,200 pounds while maintaining an estimated useful load of approximately 800 pounds. Like other Zenith kits, customers will be free to select their preferred engine, avionics and firewall-forward package, with Zenith offering several factory-supported options.

The unveiling of the Super Cruzer comes during another landmark year for Zenith Aircraft. The company is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the iconic STOL CH 701, first introduced in 1986 and widely regarded as one of the aircraft that popularised practical all-metal STOL kit aircraft. The CH 701 remains in production today, having recently been updated with Zenith's latest match-drilled manufacturing techniques.

Zenith will also host its 35th annual Homecoming, Open Hangar Days and Fly-In at its Missouri factory this September, continuing one of the longest-running builder gatherings in the experimental aviation community.

Although the CH 750 Super Cruzer has been designed around the opportunities presented by America's new MOSAIC regulations, its capabilities will also attract attention from South African recreational pilots.

With its combination of respectable cruise performance, generous payload, forgiving handling and ability to operate from shorter airstrips, the aircraft is well suited to South Africa's extensive network of smaller airfields and remote destinations. For owners looking to combine weekend touring with occasional bush flying, the Super Cruzer offers an appealing blend of practicality and versatility.

As Zenith continues expanding its product line while maintaining its reputation for simple, builder-friendly aircraft, the CH 750 Super Cruzer appears well positioned to become one of the company's most capable and well-rounded designs to date.