By Dan JohnsonIs it even conceivable that in a single decade a new class of airplanes has reached its third generation? The answer is yes and Vickers Aircraft’s Wave is proof through its contemporary construction, innovative features, and modern equipment.In 2004 America’s FAA released a new rule, nearly 15 years in the making. The goal was audacious. FAA sought to create a new category where conventional means of government approval gave way to industry consensus standards.Could such an idea work? Yes! In only 10 years, FAA’s Sport Pilot / Light-Sport Aircraft rule not only upended the old order but swept around the world and is now leading to a similar system for larger aircraft.Third Generation DisruptionThe phrase “disruptive innovation” is often used to describe a development that doesn’t merely change products ... it changes markets. A century ago, mass production of automobiles was a disruptive innovation because it changed the transportation market. Apple’s iPhone is a more recent example.Light-Sport Aircraft and its ASTM standards system of assuring quality aircraft is racing around the world, already accepted in USA, Brazil, Europe, South Africa, China, Australia and New Zealand. Many more countries are reviewing the concept.The first aircraft that arrived — call them Generation One — were previously existing aircraft modified to fit the LSA parameters. They dramatically reduced costs, flew well, had the most modern appointments and thereby found market acceptance.Generation Two aircraft were purpose designed for the category, aimed precisely at the new definition. These aircraft brought desirable, user-demanded changes the older method of certification simply wouldn’t allow due to high and inexorably rising costs.Now, Generation Three airplanes are arriving and Vickers Aircraft’s Wave is a gleaming example.Molding the FutureFrom nose to tail, Wave is a fresh examination of how to create a seaplane. In development since 2011, the project is funded and nearing completion for a forecast debut at America’s Oshkosh 2016.Wave’s advanced design uses carbon fiber extensively. “Early on we spent time working on construction techniques to ensure they could efficiently be used in production,” said designer and principal Paul Vickers.“Our aircraft is 100% designed on computers,” said Vickers. “It’s incredible what computers offer modern engineers. One wonders what might have been if the Wright brothers had access to some of the tools we have at our disposal.”

A New WAVE is ComingWith a background in marine hull design and fabrication, Vickers addresses that aspect of engineering with great experience and competency.“By manufacturing nearly all components in house, we ensure high accuracy both dimensionally and regarding weight,” Vickers explained. We are very pleased to report our design weights match actual part weights. We opted to use prepreg carbon fiber as used on supercars and Formula One race cars so that we can assure repeatability during production.” He emphasized many steps were taken during the design process with an eye to serial production.Exciting SpecificationsA few of the parameters that Light-Sport Aircraft must meet reveal Wave in a measurable way: Two seats; gross weight of 650 kilograms (1,430 pounds); a 180-horsepower powerplant swinging a three-blade prop; either avgas or premium auto fuel; max cruise 120 knots; range with 190 liters (50 gallons) of fuel 720 nautical miles; takeoff in 600 feet.By now you may be thinking, “Well, it sounds exotic but I probably cannot afford a Wave. Each person’s budget is different but consider this, “Our sale price in the USA will be less than US$180,000 including the 180 horsepower engine, powered folding wings, and airframe parachute.” In addition, fuel burn is half that of a Cessna 172 even though Wave will fly faster. Maintenance should consume much less of an owner’s operations budget thanks to long lasting components, simpler design execution, and rigorous attention to details during Wave’s creation.While the Light Sport Aircraft category exists in Australia and New Zealand, Wave expects to qualify and be available for the ultralight and microlight categories.Seaplanes have not only become sexy machines in the age of industry consensus standards, but they offer major advantages. Perhaps more than any other, an example is the huge number of places an amphibious airplane can land. Reducing pilot workload through digital instrumentation and innovative landing gear means a focus on safety older airplane designs cannot match.A focus on safety is evident in the Wave, by the inclusion of a ballistic parachute as a standard feature and also sliding doors as opposed to the traditional forward hinging canopies, which provide an obvious advantage for water landings.In this modern age of new methods of certification, design tools that only came into existence in recent decades, airborne info for the pilot that exceeds that available in airliners, and safety features unknown in the past, Wave prepares to launch in an exciting era of aircraft design. Pilots of the world, rejoice!MORE INFO: http://www.vickersaircraft.com

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CRUISE 120 KNOTS