The Sparrow Family
Carlson Sparrow II XTC
The higher-powered development of the two-seat Sparrow II, built for four-stroke engines and cross-country flying.
Sparrow II XTC
Carlson archive photograph to be added
- Seats
- 2 (side-by-side)
- Category
- Experimental amateur-built
- Landing gear
- Tricycle
- Historical engines
- Rotax 912 UL · Subaru EA-81 · Continental C-85
- Construction
- 4130 steel-tube fuselage, aluminum wing, fabric covered
Legacy fleet supported. Contact Carlson Aircraft regarding current kit, component, plan, and support availability.
Overview
More engine, more range
The Sparrow II XTC is the most powerful member of the Sparrow family. It keeps the two-seat, side-by-side layout and dual controls of the Sparrow II, and was developed to carry heavier, more powerful four-stroke engines.
Builders installed a range of powerplants in the XTC, including the Rotax 912 UL, the Subaru EA-81 automotive conversion, and the Continental C-85 aircraft engine. With more power and fuel, the XTC was aimed at pilots who wanted to cover more ground than the two-stroke Sparrows comfortably allowed.
Because XTC installations differ so much — engine, propeller, cowling, weight, and equipment — performance varies substantially from one aircraft to the next. Published figures should be read as a general indication, not a description of any specific airplane.
Specifications
Sparrow II XTC Specifications
Reference figures from historical Carlson and aviation publications. Figures vary with engine, configuration, and the individual aircraft.
Specifications being verified
Carlson Aircraft is reviewing original factory documentation for the Sparrow II XTC. Verified specifications will be published here once that review is complete. For questions about a specific aircraft, contact us.
Published specifications are historical reference figures and may vary by aircraft, engine, configuration, builder, and year. Builders and operators should refer to the applicable Carlson Aircraft documentation for their individual aircraft.
Design & Construction
How the Sparrow II XTC is built
Airframe
Two-seat, side-by-side welded 4130 steel-tube fuselage with dual controls and a strut-braced, fabric-covered aluminum wing, following the Sparrow II layout.
Engine installations
The XTC was set up for heavier four-stroke engines. Each engine brings its own mount, cooling, fuel, and weight-and-balance considerations; owners should refer to the documentation applicable to their installation.
Known engine installations
Engines historically associated with the Sparrow II XTC. This is a historical record, not a list of currently approved or supported installations.
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Rotax 912 UL
Approximately 80 hp, four-stroke.
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Subaru EA-81
Automotive conversion, approximately 82 hp.
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Continental C-85
Certified aircraft engine, approximately 85 hp.
More of the Sparrow family
Interested in This Aircraft?
Carlson Aircraft is working to preserve these designs and support the people who continue to build, fly, restore, and maintain them. Contact us and tell us which aircraft you are interested in.