Amphibious LSA

Key Data

• Project Type Amphibious light sport aircraft
• Wing Area 13.5m²
• Tail Plane Span 2.4m
• Payload 275kg

The Atol 650 Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), from Atol Avion, is an amphibious seaplane that is capable of operating on water, land and snow. The aircraft successfully completed its maiden flight in April 2015.

The LSA underwent water taxiing tests for the first time in December 2014. It was exhibited for the first time at Sodankylä Airshow in June 2015, and will also be displayed at the Aero 2015 exhibition in Germany.

"It was exhibited for the first time at Sodankylä Airshow in June 2015, and will also be displayed at the Aero 2015 exhibition in Germany."

Deliveries of first Atol 650 production aircraft batch are expected to begin by the end of 2015.

Atol 650 design and features

The Atol 650 is based on Atol ultralight-class experimental aircraft. The fuselage is made of modern composite wood. The aircraft is 100kg lighter than other LSAs currently available in the market.

The aircraft has a length of 7.45m, wingspan of 9m, wing area of 13.5m², and a tail plane span of 2.4m. It features a conventional landing gear, which can be retracted during the flight and water operations. It also includes an auxiliary nose wheel that assists in beaching to steep shores. The aircraft can be fitted with the Atol water taxiing system (AWTS) for water manoeuvres.

The LSA features wing folding system with manual control lines connection. The wing aspect ratio ensures a range of centre of gravity (CG) and ease of loading without strict loading restrictions. The wing tips are positioned on the upper portion of the fuselage to ensure safe operations on water, while the wing dihedral further ensures good roll stability. The aircraft can be optionally fitted with skis to operate on snow during winter.

Searey Elite light sport aeroplane, designed and manufactured by Progressive Aerodyne, was unveiled in Tavares, Florida, in January 2014.

The light sport aircraft also features a bilge pump, bulkheads in the rear fuselage to prevent any bilge water from moving uncontrollably, stern cleat, and mooring posts in auxiliary float supports and tail. It also integrates a luggage compartment, and a water rudder integrated in the tail wheel, as well as paddle and fasteners.