| ICON A5 | |
|---|---|
| Prototype in 2010 | |
| Role | amphibious light-sport aircraft |
| Manufacturer | ICON Aircraft |
| First flight | 15 July 2008 (concept aircraft)[1] |
| Number built | One |
| Unit cost | estimated US$139,000[2] |
The ICON A5 is an American amphibious light-sport aircraft being developed by ICON Aircraft.[3] A concept aircraft was flown in 2008 but production has not started.
Contents |
The A5 is a high-wing flying boat-type amphibious monoplane with a carbon fiber airframe and retractable undercarriage. It seats two people in an enclosed cockpit and is powered by a single 100 hp (75 kW) Rotax 912 ULS engine driving a three-bladed pusher propeller. Sponsons provide hydrodynamic stability and act as a step for crew and passenger. The wings can be folded aft for ground transport and storage.[4] Equipment includes an angle of attack indicator, an unusual feature in general aviation aircraft. An airframe ballistic parachute is optional.
A prototype was constructed in 2007-2008 and made its first flight in July 2008. In January 2009 the company announced completion of the first phase (27 flights) of a three-phase testing program, including water-handling. In February 2009, the prototype entered the second-phase testing to refine aerodynamic and handling qualities.[5]
In June 2011 the company announced that it had procured an additional $25 million investment, which was "needed to allow the company to complete engineering development work and enter production - possibly as early as next year [2012]."[6]
An updated "spin-resistant" wing was tested in July 2011, and production was forecast to start in late 2012.[7]
In August 2011, the company stated that it had sold positions for 694 A5s, of which 143 were received at the 2011 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh show. A promotion in conjunction with EAA Young Eagles raised over US$28,000 for Young Eagles.[8][9]
In the 2009 IDEA/BusinessWeek Design Awards, ICON was awarded Gold in the Transportation Design category. The competition included all cars, motorcycles, watercraft, and every other motor vehicle designed in 2008.[10] ICON was also awarded a 2009 Gold Spark Design Award[11] and a Design Distinction in ID Magazine’s Annual Design Review.[12] [13]
Data from Icon Aircraft [2]
General characteristics
Performance