Vickers Aircraft Company Is Moving Towards Production

The Vickers Aircraft Company reports that it is moving closer to production of its Wave amphibious sport airplane in its November, 2017 blog post.

According to the company, the Wave has a fixed landing gear system, named Cross-Over. This landing gear system reduces the risk of accidents when landing on land with gear up, and landing on water with gear down. Gear down water landings have been responsible for many accidents and deaths over the years. With the Wave’s landing gear and suspension system design, the gear stays fixed for both types of landings. The pilot does not have to remember to change gear position depending on landing surface-this substantially increases safety as there is no pilot interaction required, so it can’t be done improperly.

The Wave’s sliding side doors provide an extra measure of ability to egress in inverted situations (land or water), or can also be pushed out for emergency egress. Additionally, an integrated roll cage provides further protection to the occupants.

Seaplanes are unable to fully stop on water while under engine power; they are constantly in motion. The Wave has a retractable electric bow thruster for greatly improved water maneuvering, without requiring the engine/propeller to be running. Maneuverability is greatly improved with this design, as it has 360° of operation range. Safety is enhanced by better maneuverability during launch, recovery, beaching, docking, mooring, and slow speed maneuvering.
Seaplanes also tend to draw spectators during operations at marinas or beaches. The bow thruster allows the pilot to safely maneuver the aircraft away from bystanders before engine start, protecting the general public who might not be familiar with the dangers of spinning propellers, or propeller blast.

The Wave has incorporated a launch and recovery lifting point integral to the aircraft. These systems are commonly called a lift point or davit. An integrated lift point enhances the ease and safety of launch and recovery options both on the shore, and by larger marine vessels.

The Wave uses the "Continental Titan", a higher horsepower engine than typical LSAs. While the final details of the induction system are being developed, we anticipate 180+ hp. A higher horsepower engine for a seaplane provides important benefits including:

• Less time to become airborne. Staying on the water for shorter duration reduces hazards with other watercraft that may be operating in the area.
• Better climb rates to deal with terrain near water. Many lakes and reservoirs have rising terrain along the shoreline. The Wave’s engine provides a superior climb rate to help overcome controlled flight into terrain.

Additionally, more power provides increased ability to recover from a high sink rate or wind shear.

In addition to these new technologies, the Wave has also integrated commonly used safety enhancements such as:

• BRS - Airframe Emergency Parachute - peace of mind
• Angle of Attack System - increased stall awareness and loss of control prevention
• Inflatable Airbag Restraints – additional occupant protection

Vickers Aircraft recently completed the build of its thermal forming press for foam core. Cores are used in composite to increase the stiffness of structures. This heated press allows the core to be formed properly to take the shape of the part being made, without cutting or stressing the core.

Bonding fixtures are currently being designed to facilitate aircraft bonding and assembly. These fixtures properly locate individual parts in relationship to each other, or other mating features on the aircraft. Proper fixture design reduces errors - parts cannot be put in the wrong place; and consistency - each part is exactly the shape it is designed to be.       

The company says that every decision made at Vickers Aircraft, from company organization to detailed aircraft design, supports their key objectives of quality and safety. A healthy and motivated team, a reliable supply chain, an efficient design and rigid testing standards all lead to an exceptional aircraft. Vickers’ customers will enjoy enhanced safety and functionality. “I want to build an aircraft I would love to fly, and plan to fly with my family by my side, so every decision I make is with them in mind,” said Paul Vickers, CEO of Vickers Aircraft.

(Source: Vickers aircraft blog. Image from file)

FMI: vickersaircraft.com