YMF-5F Is A WACO Biplane For The Wet Set

The WACO Skunk Worx reports they are working on something really fun (and wet).

That is assuming you consider splashing around lakes in an amphibious WACO fun.

The company reports on its blog that construction has started using a damaged YMF-5C as the parts donor to create its first Amphibious Float Plane (AKA: YMF-5F for “F”loats). The imminent approval of the new MT Constant Speed propeller combined with the new 300 HP Jacobs make an amphibious float equipped WACO not only possible but also much more functional.

As an FYI for the non-seaplane folks, amphibious floats have wheels, straight floats do not. Some of you may recall that WACO had an airplane on straight floats in the mid 90’s, but the lack of a suitable propeller and straight floats lack of wheels compromised its functionality – anyone who witnessed the airplane land on the grass as Sun-n-Fun with it will attest that

Now with the trifecta of 300 HP engines, the new MT composite propeller and Aerocet 3400 Amphibious floats WACO says it has "the perfect combination to make a great WACO on Floats. The YMF-5F. "

According to the aircraft data sheet posted by the company, the YMF-5F is a 3-place Open cockpit land and sea biplane suitable for day & night VFR operations.

The airplane will be powered by a Jacobs R755A2, A2M Engine – seaplane variant standard - 300 HP @ 2200 RPM, 1400 hr. TBO turning an MT Constant Speed, Composite 93” propeller.

The YMF-5F will cruise at 94 kts, stall at 51 knots, and burn about 14 gallons per hour at typical cruise. It wil carry 48 gallons of fuel, giving it a range of about 3.4 hours.

The company plans to offer the plane with a Garmin panel based around the Aera 795 Touch Screen WAAS GPS and a Garmin GTX-345 ADS-B In/Out Transponder.

All specifications and approvals are pending FAA certification, the company says.

And "Yes we know that we spelled "Skunk Works" wrong, but the boys at Lockheed Martin have apparently trademarked it," the notice ends.

FMI: www.wacoaircraft.com/worx