Amphib LSA On Track For Deliveries In Late 2010, Company Says

Icon Aircraft announced Monday the company has officially completed Phase I Flight Testing of its upcoming amphibious sport plane, the Icon A5.

The company tells ANN a total of 27 flights have been flown, and data was gathered across a wide range of speeds, gross weights, center of gravity (CG), flap settings, altitudes and sea states. The company said the A5 prototype demonstrated "exceptional water stability and handling, easy takeoff and landing performance, as well as light control forces with responsive, yet docile flight characteristics."

"While there are areas to be further optimized, as with any flight test program, the A5, overall, performed as designed and is a blast to fly," said Lead Aero Engineer and Test Pilot Jon Karkow.

A variety of the FAA and ASTM LSA certification requirements have already been verified, such as stall speeds and low-speed handling parameters. To enhance the flying experience, the A5 was designed to be flown with the side windows removed. The prototype was test flown with the windows out with no appreciable change in aircraft performance or cockpit comfort.

"The rigorous flight testing and careful development of A5 is progressing well," said Kirk Hawkins, founder and CEO of ICON Aircraft. "While the successful completion of the Phase I Flight Testing marks an important milestone in that program, there is still a tremendous amount of work yet to be done."

With initial testing completed and a baseline now established, Icon says the A5 will enter Phase II Flight Testing to refine and optimize the plane's aerodynamics and handling qualities. Flight testing of the prototype is scheduled to continue throughout 2009.

First unveiled to the public at AirVenture 2007, the estimated base price for the composite-bodied A5 is $139,000. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in late 2010.

FMI: www.iconaircraft.com