Prototype Airplane To Be On Display At The Show

Lisa Airplanes, a French company developing a unique amphibious airplane called Akoya, will showcase the aircraft at an event it says is tailor-made for the plane.

On August 24th, the first "Lac du Bourget" airshow will be held in conjunction with the 16th edition of the Navig'Aix event (old vessels gathering) at the Grand Port of Aix-Les-Bains, Savoie, France. Lisa Airplanes, based at Bourget Lake, designed the Akoya with "Seafoil" technology giving it the ability to take off and land on both land and water.

Lisa Airplanes will be unveiling its test Akoya at the Exhibitors display. They say it will give the aviation community a chance to meet with part of the team developing the prototype, and the opportunity to become familiar with the aircraft through video screenings.

The undercarriage of the Akoya consists of wing-like structures ... called "Seafoils" ... that have been developed by Lisa Airplanes. Based on the hydrofoils technology found on racing boats, this innovation has been designed to minimize the effects of the aerodynamic drag in flight. Thus, unlike conventional seaplanes and amphibious aircraft, the "Seafoils" do not affect the plane's aerodynamics which makes it the first aircraft as effective in the water as in the air, the company says. Combining the advantages of ensuring flexibility, stability and the feeling of smoothness during water landing, the "Seafoils" design does not require any specific action from the pilot during takeoffs and offers very easy handling regardless of the plane's speed on the water.

The company says the "Seafoil" innovation, linked to an aerodynamic fuselage and a low weight, gives the Akoya excellent flight performances: 42 MPG at 103 kts and a range of 1,250 miles.

The event will feature air demonstrations above Bourget Lake, vintage aircraft, fighter and military patrol aircraft as well as performances by the 2013 World Champion French Aerobatic Team.

(Image provided by Lisa Airplanes)

FMI: www.lisa-airplanes.com/en