Hurling oneself through the air has always been a favorite past time of man. Yet, for many years the private aviation industry has remained quite stagnant when it comes to new technology and design.
In 1978, the US produced more than 14,000 single-engine, piston-powered airplanes. As of 2007, that number was 2,000. A classic of the genre, the Cessna Skyhawk, is a slow, ugly beat that, save for a few refinements, looks today just like it did when it was introduced in 1955. Hoffman, pg 117.
Enter the Icon A5, a collaboration between a former F-16 pilot and a skateboard designer. With folding wings and the ability to take off from land or water, this new light-sport airplane represents what aviation should be – simple, free and adventurous.
I came across the A5 in the most recent issue of Wired Magazine (full article here). It caught my attention not only because of my background in aviation, but because it represents to me the excitement and energy surrounding innovation.
When people with a passion for their field embark on a journey to break the rules and make something better than its ever been made before, what’s not to get excited about?
The A-5 has the following stats:
- Wingspan: 34 feet
- Maximum Takeoff Wgt: 1,430 lbs
- Maximum Speed: 120 mph
- Range: 300 nautical miles
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
That just looks way too cool!
How far can you take it — given it’s a sport model? Is it really just for short jaunts around favorite haunts or is there a way you could do a low-altitude, cross-country trip?
@ J.D.,
It only has a range of 300 miles so I would lean towards the short jaunts. But, you can see a lot in 300 miles.
Very nice lines! This will be a great shot in the arm for aviation.
http://FunPlacesToFly.com