IMC Warrior is "close" to securing about £15 million ($24 million)to kick-start full-scale development of its six-seat Centaur light amphibious aircraft. "We are confident that the funding will be in place by the end of the year," says Centaur designer James Labouchere.
The UK company, which has already flown one-fifth-scale models of the Centaur, plans to begin flight testing on the first of four prototypes in 2001. It is aiming to coincide certification with delivery of the first 10 aircraft in 2003.
The all-composite aircraft, unveiled in September last year, has a new hull design inspired by slender-hulled high performance yachts and ferries. It offers a range of 2,200km (1,200nm) and a maximum cruise speed of 125kt (235km/h). The Centaur, which has a folding wing, will be powered by a Teledyne Continental IO-550 or a Textron Lycoming IO-540.
Lymington, Hampshire-based IMC has conducted two market research assessments. The first canvassed operators on their views of the industry; the second looked in depth at the size of the new and replacement market for the $500,000-575,000 Centaur.
"There are over 6,800 four/ eight-seat seaplanes in operation. We expect to claim a significant proportion of the replacement market," says Labouchere, adding: "The effect of a competitive land plane that will work as normal practice in the popular marine sector will be extraordinary."
IMC is keen to assemble the aircraft in North America, where its largest market and key suppliers will be based.
Source: Flight International
