Long in development to incorporate a raft of distinctive ideas, Vickers Wave took its first flight last month, mere weeks before the launch of Sun ‘n Fun 2022, which kicks off a new flying season. Lead by company namesake, Paul Vickers, Wave has been a work in process for eleven years. All along Paul has been saying he would get it right on the first flight and it looks like he succeeded. He also said that the methods he followed to get this far would speed production significantly. He means that when this airplane would take its first flight, it would not be some cobbled-together, proof-of-concept aircraft. The Wave that just flew should also go very directly into production without the need for another long round of engineering. Look at the images and the video. This looks like a factory production model, not a crude prototype still rough around the edges.
Vickers Wave First Flight Accomplished Successfully
Satisfying Success!
"It was an incredibly emotional moment for the entire Vickers Aircraft team, a moment more than 11 years in the making," said Paul after the first flight was concluded. "December 10, 2012, was when I made the decision and began designing the concept, and began turning a dream into reality by spending money. At this point talk became action."First Flight Notes
"Wave performed as expected," Paul reported. "The first flight was limited to 85 knots, and we will be further stretching her legs in the coming weeks as we approach our 120-knot cruise speed."What Makes Wave Different?
Wave Design Distinctions (partial list)
- Wave has a landing gear system (named Cross-Over™, patents pending) that is a fixed gear arrangement for both land and water operations. This landing gear system will eliminate accidents when landing on land with gear up, and landing on water with gear down.
- Wave’s egress doors offer increased occupant safety in the event of the aircraft coming to rest inverted (on land or water).
- Light Sport Aircraft are not allowed to use adjustable propellers so to give the pilot more control of the aircraft on the water, around marinas, and other watercraft, Wave has an electric bow thruster.
- Wave has incorporated an airframe emergency parachute as standard equipment.
- Wave has incorporated an angle of attack (AoA) system to enhance stall awareness.
- Wave has incorporated inflatable airbag restraints.