Electrically Operated Amphibian

By ANN Correspondent John Ballantyne

The M-Squared display at the EAA Sun 'n Fun fly-in hosts a Hawaiian theme to emphasize the fun their products represent. That was appropriate for the release of their newest product: electrically retractable, amphibious landing gear. For the show it was the Sprint 1000 which had the new electrically operated retractable landing gear.

"Our design evolved from a manually operated nautical-based of block-and-tackle arrangement. That system worked well except for those with limited strength to pull the retract line. For those we created the push-button system using a motor designed specifically for nautical purpose," explains Paul Mather, M-Squared's founder and president.

"The use of stainless steel axles and Delran bushings (less friction and wear than plastic) provide for a clean, long lived design," Paul continues.

The takeoff and landing technique on wheels is reported to be sailplane-like because of the center wheel arrangement. The rear portion of the Lotus floats has been reinforced to support the plane during the initial phase of take-off and the last of the landing phases. This is a landing gear for grass, not hard surface because of the necessity to allow the rear of the floats to settle. Water technique is unaffected by the addition of the electric wheeled gear.

"The unit is adaptable to any plane with Full Lotus floats," says the factory.

M-Squared produces 2 models of tube & fabric, strut-braced aircraft. One and two-seater versions are available. They are one of very few manufacturers who sell their aircraft fully factory assembled thereby appealing to those who are not enthused by boxes of tubes and hardware. M-Squared offers ROTAX and HKS power units with options of floats and skis.

FMI: M-Squared, PO Box 457, 10050 A Hwy 90 West, St Elmo, AL 36568. 251 957-1533 phone and fax.