| Seastar | |
|---|---|
| Role | Utility amphibian |
| National origin | Germany/United States |
| Manufacturer | Dornier Seaplane Company |
| Designer | Claudius Dornier |
| First flight | 1985 |
The Dornier Seastar is a turboprop-powered amphibious aircraft built largely of composite materials. Developed by professor Claudius Dornier jr of Germany, it first flew in 1985. The design is owned by Claudius Jr's son, Conrado, who founded Dornier Seawings AG (now Dornier Seaplane Company) to continue work on the project.
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The Seastar is a parasol wing flying boat, with its two engines mounted in a single nacelle over the wings in a push-pull configuration. In general layout, it strongly resembles Dornier's Do 18 of the 1930s.
The first prototype, a proof-of-concept aircraft using the metal wings from a Dornier Do 28 and with large struts bracing the wing to the sponsons, made its maiden flight from Hamburg on 17 August 1984.[1] The second prototype, representing the definitive design was larger, and featured a new, unbraced composite wing. It first flew from Oberpfaffenhofen on 24 April 1987.[1]
In October 2009, Dornier Seaplane announced that it would launch production of the Seastar.[2]
In May 2010, Dornier Seaplane announced that it would build the Seastar in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, about half an hour away from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. [3]
Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988-89[4]
General characteristics
Performance
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