'Orca' Is Based On The Seastar Concept

Dornier Seawings is introducing a new product line purely for governmental operators: the Orca, which the company says will be the world’s most advanced amphibious mission platform.

The Orca is based on the superior design concept of the Seastar, with same features and advantages but optional internal and external mission equipment stations. The main concept of the Orca is to enhance typical maritime security missions, while merging seaborne and airborne operations, making it a more superior alternative to rotor wings.

The Orca can be typically equipped with camera and radar systems for search and surveillance, stretchers for medical evacuation and self-protection items for defence purposes. The aircraft can be highly customized and ideally suited to the current operational profile and demand.

Dornier Seawings is in negotiation with several governmental marine departments, which have shown serious interest by using the Orca to ensure a high level in maritime security aspects.

The new airplane is also useful for analyzing plastic garbage in the ocean, where typical seaborne assets can’t provide research on a daily basis. The in-water plastic analysis could become an important first step towards the successful reduction of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean by defining the waste origins and the right countermeasures.

Besides being equipped with the most modern systems, the Orca also features an all-composite airframe which make it corrosion-free even in salty environment. It can handle rough sea conditions with its boat-shaped fuselage and water surface optimized design elements. Due to an efficient combination of 5-blade propellers and powerful turbine drive, the Orca is economical efficient and the fastest amphibious in its class.

It is expected that first Orcas will be ready to enter service in 2022.

(Image provided with Dornier Seawings news release)

FMI: dornierseawings.com