This article has been updated with a new image; a minor correction was made. LSA seaplanes have provided some of the most interesting new developments in aviation. Perhaps interest stems from the vast numbers of landable waterways compared to runways. Perhaps it’s the versatility of amphibians. Maybe people are simple drawn by the good looks or unique qualities of entries. Among the several projects, one of the most fascinating has been the hybrid electric seaplane called Equator P2 Xcursion, from Norway. I have reported on P2 Xcursion before; here’s the earlier article. Years in the Making CEO and lead designer Tomas Brødreskift reports the company has invested some 30,000 man-hours into the Equator Aircraft project. An engineer, private pilot, and recreational flying enthusiast, he acquired a passion for flying that most readers know well. Like many of them, he saw in the aircraft he was flying a lack of modern design.
Equator Light-Sport Aircraft Seaplane Secures Crowd Funding; Makes First Flight
Years in the Making
"Simplification and demystification of the flying experience has been one of our main goals" stated Tomas. That helps explain a very small instrument and control console. "It contains what you need to get the job done in a minimized fashion, to keep your focus where its should be; on the outside of the aircraft," added Tomas. Supporting that goal is a large canopy offering a wide-open field of view.
Further innovation is a fly-by-wire rudder and drive-by-wire nosewheel. "Both are experimental technologies, Tomas explained, "that we believe may make it simpler for the prospective owner and pilot to learn how to fly. No more hand and foot coordination, here you can put your feet up high and use your hands only for all control inputs."
Power, Power, Power!
P2 Xcursion's thrust is provided by an unusual aviation powerplant involving three elements: a motor spinning the prop; an electric generator supplying the motor and batteries; and an internal combustion engine powering the generator. At this time, P2 has both a test and boost battery plus it has the required electronic control unit (ECU).
If you are like me and used to Rotax, Continental, Jabiru, UL Power, Viking, Hirth, or AeroMomentum all this might sound strange. Yet it may be the way of the future …even if that future remains somewhat over the horizon.
Engiro M97 Electric is a 97 kW (130 horsepower) water- and air-cooled motor weighing only 32 kilograms (70 pounds). The manufacturer notes maximum power is available for three minutes, enough to break the water surface and start a climb; continuous power is 60 kW or 80 horsepower.
Developing P2 Xcursion
Tomas was inspired by first Equator builder, Günter Pöschel. Tomas wrote, "Günter was CEO of Equator Aircraft Company. He made remarkable aircraft (multi-passenger photo) that were way ahead of their time from 1969 to 1985. His substantial knowledge and stories were too good to overlook."- Seating — 2, side-by-side
- Gross Weight — 750 kilograms (1,653 pounds)*
- Useful Load ("dry" weight) — 240 kilograms (529 pounds)
- Maximum Cruise Speed — 130 knots
- Economy Cruise Speed — 118 knots
- Fuel Consumption — 20 liter/hour (about 5 gallons/hour )
- Stall Speed (no flaps) — 52 knots
- Stall Speed (with flaps) — 48 knots
- Range — 845 nautical miles
- Avionics — MGL iEFIS with remote transponder and radio
- Propeller — DUC Flash, with custom DUC hub and spinner
- Controller — Sevcon size 8; 2 components, 8 kilograms (18 pounds) per controller, water cooled
- Boost Battery — Custom LiIon pack; 6 kWh, 32 kilograms (70 pounds)
- with separate battery management system
- Test Battery — LiPo pack; 18 kWh, 100 kgs (220 pounds)
- EMS — Sevcon & Equator Aircraft custom screen solution
- Engine Cooling — Common automotive heat exchangers, 4 elements