|
|
OverviewThe Shearwater is first and foremost a plane that has been designed to be useful. There is plenty of room for four people in comfort, good storage space for their bags, a good range and it has a decent speed to get you there. It is a saltwater tolerant amphibian, so every destination is available.The handling is very good throughout the entire operating envelope. The flight controls are light and positive and the visibility is excellent. The single power lever makes engine control very simple. The Shearwater is a plane that the every pilot will enjoy flying.
it is your Personal Air Vehicle, Versatile Workhorse and Recreational Dream Machine
The WingsThe airfoil sections are unique for the entire length of the wing and achieve very high laminar flow throughout resulting in low drag. The inner wing is deep, allowing the construction of a slightly softer spar achieving a nicer smoother ride. The wing area is 141.5 sq ft resulting in a wing loading of only 23 lbs/sqft at maximum weight.All together this means comfort and good handling at all speeds. The wings are removable allowing the Shearwater to be trailered, if required, and stored a lot more easily when space is at a premium. The CabinThe 1.35m (53”) width is comfortable for normal people, not just the slim versions of people that appear in so many advertisements. The back seat is the same comfortable width and has large windows. There are handy storage areas beside the rear seats and a generous luggage zone behind them.From the pilot’s seat the visibility is excellent. There is no engine/propeller in front of you and the wing is behind you. The dual side stick control columns allow a clear view of the instrument panel and the open space creates a great feeling of spaciousness. The Landing Gear/HydroskiThis is where the Shearwater is different.The landing gear is extended for a runway landing and the hydroski is extended for a water touchdown. For the pilot touching down on water on the hydroski is exactly the same technique as landing on wheels on a runway. The height above the surface is virtually the same in both cases. The hydroski has a shock absorber so water touchdowns will be smoother and more comfortable than conventional seaplanes. ConstructionThe Shearwater is an all composite construction airplane. Primarily fibreglass is used but carbon fiber materials are incorporated wherever they have an advantage. For example, layers of carbon are included into the aft fuselage layup to give it the required stiffness and it is used extensively in the main spar for its stiffness, strength and light weight.In order to make the Shearwater as saltwater tolerant as possible stainless steel fittings are used extensively. Flight ControlsDual control sidesticks are standard. Carbon fiber push rods are used throughout providing excellent feedback to the pilot and a positive feel. The only cables used are from the rudders to the control mixer. This is necessary in order to make the rudder pedals adjustable.The ailerons droop providing extra lift. This occurs when the flaps are selected to the takeoff position. SafetyThe Shearwater amphibian does have a safety advantage over land planes for several reasons.
|