After a rush of interest owing to earlier reports (see here and here), the team at Vickers Aircraft went head down and began pushing even harder on their fascinating new amphibious LSA seaplane entry called Wave. As you can see by the photos, they've now unveiled the overall appearance though additional details of this rather distinctive creation will be released as components are fitted and evaluated. Meanwhile, for those who want more, principal designer Paul Vickers added, "I am pleased to inform that our Vickers Aircraft website is now live. We invite pilots around the world to come have a closer look and to observe which companies we are engaging as partners. "We have achieved our production weights on completed assemblies," noted Paul, including wings, tail stabilizers, controls, and composites structures such as the cockpit and sponsons." Vickers says they achieved this by strategically combining aluminum and carbon fiber. Advanced designs use a mix of materials in areas that have varying strength requirements. "We spent a lot of time before the initial design was started working on construction techniques to ensure they could be transferred to the aircraft design and used in production. "We then took this proven solution into the design phase early 2010 and have now produced numerous components that are matching our design weights," added Paul. With a reported 80% of the prototype completed Vickers Aircraft said their clean-sheet design should achieve target weights enabling Wave to be an FAA-accepted Special LSA without any need for a weight exemption. Part of assuring weight targets are met — keep in mind that the LSA seaplane gross of 1,430 pounds (650 kg) can be demanding for a capable aircraft with retractable gear and other water-worthy features — means close coordination with leaders in carbon fiber. "We are very pleased to introduce Core Builder Composites as our partner to supply the carbon fiber components, said Vickers. Sailing enthusiasts may already know this company's work through their most celebrated product, the Oracle yacht that won the America's Cup this year as one of the fastest boats in the world. Core Builder Composites met the demand for a 72-foot catamaran that appears to zoom above the water (photo) while using a sail that looks for all the world like a long half-wing instead of a billowing fabric sail. Given the intense — and very well funded — competition for America's Cup sailboats, the company based in New Zealand along with Vickers appears well equipped to do prototype and production work on Wave's composite structures. I've written about the level of competition present in LSA seaplanes, perhaps triggered by the amazing success of California's Icon A5. Through very astute marketing Icon has reportedly collected more than 1,000 orders for their amphib seaplane. The company has been breaking new ground in several areas, such as their spin-resistant airframe that earned Icon a weight exemption from FAA. However, the effort has also delayed production and opened an opportunity for other designs to fill the void. This drives Vickers Aircraft to keep the pressure on to have product delivered to customers by summer 2014, a goal they still feel is achievable. While far less well known than Icon because they kept their focus on design and production preparation, Wave is making friends around the globe, reported Paul Vickers. Interest from a number of potential buyers is rewarding the push and the company repeated earlier statements, "Our sale price in the USA will be under $180,000 including the 180 horsepower Lycoming IO-360, automatic folding wings, and airframe parachute."

Following our initial unveil of a new amphibian called "Wave" by Vickers Aircraft Company, more details were offered in their programmed slow-motion rollout of a new amphibian LSA candidate. In this update we hear about who will supply the prop and see some of the hardware components. I was informed that response was brisk after the last article suggesting the tempting way facts are released developed a sense of intrigue. One thing not said earlier is that principal Paul Vickers spent years in marine hull design and fabrication, addressing that aspect of engineering competency. As to the aerodynamic side, Paul wrote, "We are confident in achieving our performance figures as we have spent the pat three years producing and studying the hydrodynamics and aerodynamics needed for our particular flight envelope." Vickers provided performance info to Catto props who developed and delivered a specific propeller to maximize to the airflow produced by Wave's pusher configuration. "This information coupled with the known performance figures of the Lycoming IO-360 should provide a 120 knot cruise," indicated Vickers. Vickers expressed appreciation to Craig Catto at Catto Propellers. "Catto delivered a unique prop (photo) in a short time," Paul emphasized. "We now have a specially designed propeller with hardened nickel leading edges to protect the prop from the effects of water spray. The three blade prop ensures that 180 horsepower delivered by Lycoming's engine is transferred into useful thrust. Some readers wondered about Vickers' ability to meet LSA weight limit, especially give the use of a powerful and relatively heavy powerplant. "We are pleased that completed assemblies including wings, tailplane, and composite structures have been matching engineering design weights." The company said it is confident Wave can provide a useful load of 500 pounds. CAD modeling computer simulations and analysis were intensely employed. "Our aircraft is 100% designed on computers; it's incredible what computers offer modern engineers. One wonders what might have been if the Wright brothers had access to some of the tools we have at our disposal." As the first parts were produced, Vickers engineers were pleased how close theoretical weights matched actual part weights. "With more than 80% of the aircraft built, we are well on our way to meeting our design and delivery goals," Paul observed. Vickers is presently building two aircraft, one for flight tests and regulatory approval and another, the first of several, they say, for delivery perhaps as soon as Oshkosh 2014. The company has been sharing development with regulators for "a speedy approval process." Vickers reported that preliminary response to their "peak-a-boo" announcement was surprisingly strong. (Add your name to their list by emailing Paul Vickers.) However, the company said many inquirers asked a similar question, "We heard about the big engine but what about more complete specs?" In other words, how will Wave compare to other LSA amphibians? Addressing this request, Vickers Aircraft offered the nearby chart. "We will be releasing progress production pictures and additional information on a regular basis," said Paul Vickers. Though it remains in development, interested pilots can bookmark Vickers Aircraft website for regular updates.

I've written a number of articles about LSA seaplanes ... about the several we already have in the fleet (Aventura news), and about new designs to come (quick tour of many new LSA and Ultralight seaplanes). One of new ones is called Wave from Vickers Aircraft Company and the new entry is starting to peek from behind the dark curtain. Along with other designs in development, the Vickers project merits close attention as it offers genuine out-of-the-box thinking. Previously I agreed not to say more, governed by a non-disclosure agreement. However, at AirVenture 2013 I ran into Director and principal designer Paul Vickers. After talking about his sponsorship of EAA's Young Eagles program Paul told me he was finally ready to make some announcements about his project. Following are a couple glimpses. Another man with inside knowledge said, "This is the coolest, sexiest aircraft coming to market. Wave is breathtaking." The speaker: Bill Canino of SportairUSA and winner of the LAMA 2013 President's Award to an Outstanding Individual. This tiny slice of the airframe (image) where wing meets fuselage is all Vickers is willing to show right now. They've begun the peek-a-boo unveiling to tempt early position orders. Much like Icon Aircraft did some years back, Vickers Aircraft plans to collect a small deposit from early adopters and will give them special perks for jumping on board sooner. For example, Vickers is offering their first 100 position buyers a percentage discount off a seaplane expected to go for a price similar to Icon's A5. The offer is a fairly serious motivator, as much as a $37,000 discount. Icon came on the market at $139,000 but in what is often called "constant dollars" (meaning that today's price involves more dollars, thanks to inflation). Icon buyers making recent delivery position orders report a price similar to what Vickers is considering for their Wave. While both aircraft are impressive, Wave has some unique qualities. Vickers Aircraft may be teasing your interest but the company did reveal one very interesting choice: the engine — a Lycoming IO-360, putting out 180 horsepower. Now we've seen engines from CubCrafters and Zlin offering similar power and UL Power has some non-certified engines getting close. Still, offering a bigger displacement Lycoming brand engine at this power on a seaplane notably compares to the Icon A5's 100-horsepower Rotax 912 iS. Paul told me several reasons why he made that decision from the start and he'll begin discussing this publicly as time goes on but he'll inform early customers even sooner. Oliver Leber, OEM Sales Manager for Lycoming Engines said, "We have enjoyed working with Vickers on this project, and are excited to see this kind of innovation in the world of general aviation." Vickers Aircraft Company also said their amphibian will come with automatic folding wings. Paul Vickers promised, "We're planning to deliver production aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014." If he makes this schedule — the project has been in development for three years already — he may tie or could even beat Icon to market. "Delivery positions are now available," said Vickers. To get your name on the list and to receive information, email Paul Vickers. Assisting Vickers is Abid Farooqui of SilverLight Aviation. When working on a similar project SilverLight Aviation drew unusually supportive comments from various FAA personnel after successfully completing a full audit. I hope Paul will keep leaking details of his new seaplane. We'll be keeping an eye on this one.