Champion Aircraft Corporation was an aircraft manufacturer founded by Robert "Bob" Brown that purchased the design for the Aeronca Champion, a light aircraft previously built by the Aeronca Aircraft Corporation, in 1954. Through the 1950s and the 1960s Champion introduced variations on the 7-series design. Champion also developed and began production of the significantly upgraded follow-on to the 7-series, the 8KCAB Decathlon, as well as the twin-engined Lancer. Champion was acquired in 1970 by Bellanca Aircraft Corporation, which continued to produce the Champion aircraft line at the former Champion plant.