Will Be On Display At AirVenture This Summer

The first new product since the relocation of experimental aircraft pioneer Lancair International to Texas is the 4-place MAKO. The new aircraft is scheduled to make its first appearance at this summer's EAA AirVenture event July 24-30.

Focused on setting a new price/performance benchmark, the new design features dual gullwing cabin doors, a first for a Lancair model. Newly designed low-drag "scimitar" wingtips incorporate lightweight LED lighting and, along with other aerodynamic refinements including an optional retractable nosewheel, are expected to add some 8 to 10 knots to the aircraft's cruise speed.

Optimizing airflow around and through the engine is essential to MAKO’s performance goals. The engine cowling features an improved precision induction system and redesigned exhaust fairings with improved aerodynamics. A variety of engine options will be available, ranging from the standard 210 hp Continental IO-360 to a 350 hp turbocharged Lycoming TIO-580. Typical non-turbo cruise speeds will be in the 215 knot range, with the turbocharged models exceeding 250 knots.

“What's the bottom line? We expect the performance of the MAKO to exceed either Cirrus or Cessna TTX at a fraction of the cost. The joy of building the aircraft and knowing every component is immensely pleasing, and the ability to perform your own maintenance will substantially reduce the cost of operation,” said Mark Huffstutler, CEO of Lancair International.

Whether normally aspirated or turbocharged, MAKO is designed to go head-to-head with contemporary certified aircraft like the Cessna TTx, Cirrus SR-20 and SR-22. With its optimized aerodynamics, weight and power, MAKO is projected to easily outperform both aircraft in climb rate, range and useful load. As of this writing, pricing is still being finalized but count on it being substantially lower than TTX/SR-20/22 pricing, likely in the neighborhood of 50% or more.

Full-scale production is anticipated in Q1 of 2018 and advance deposits for production positions are being taken now.

(Image provided with Lancair news release)

FMI: Lancair.com