Wed, Sep 21, 2011
French 'Akoya' Is Equally At Home On Land, Water, Or Snow
Lisa Airplanes has developed what it says is a unique light
airplane able to land on either pavement, grass, water or snow. And
after presenting the aircraft on several occasions in its home
country of France, the company says it is ready to bring the
Akoya to the international market.
The self-described "young and highly ambitious" French company
developed the Akoya, a two-place airplane with a unique design and
features "geared towards those who love to travel and explore."
Patented "Multi-Access" technology, allows Akoya to take off and
land easily on nearly any surface, and features pivoting wings to
enable it to be stored or transported with ease. The company
developed technology called "Seafoils" ... hydrofoils which are
connected to a retractable landing gear equipped with skis.
The airplane carries 18.5 gallons of fuel, and can operate on
regular unleaded auto gas. Lisa Airplanes says the Akoya's range is
680 miles at a cruising speed of 113 knots. The company says that
would allow a pilot to take off from a Washington, DC suburb and
land the airplane "in a lagoon in the Gulf of Mexico."
"The Akoya is a very pleasant airplane to pilot," said ENPR test
pilot Gerald Ducoin. "The Seafoils offer both fast lift-off and
stability. They also simplify landing maneuvers and taking off from
water."
The airplane is constructed entirely of composite materials and
powered by a 100 hp Rotax engine. It can take off and land in
about 650 feet, according to the company. It also has has a full
airframe parachute.
Lisa Airplanes says the base price for the Akoya is abut 300,000
Euros, or just over $411,000 at current exchange rates. The price
includes pilot training in landings on pavement, water, and snow,
and three years of maintenance. The company is currently carrying
out flight tests in France, and anticipates receiving an LSA
designation for the Akoya in 2012. Delivery to the first customers
will follow immediately, the company says.
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