Dornier Technology plans to launch sales later this year of the ID Libelle II two-seat amphibious kitplane and establish a manufacturing line in the Philippines.
Iren Dornier, grandson of aircraft designer Claudius Dornier, says he has completed an update of the original Libelle design, which made its first appearance in the 1920s. The 6.6m (21.6ft)-long, 2.1m-high Libelle II will feature a folding wing and fly at speeds of up to 111kt (205km/h).
“It’s a bit of a James Bond today, but will be the best amphibious aircraft in the market,” Dornier says. “I believe the Libelle will be a great success compared with existing light sport seaplanes.”
Dornier’s Germany-based engineering team plans to complete two prototypes, powered by Rotax 912 and 940 engines, before the Oshkosh air show in 2007. Dornier Technology plans to set up a website within the next few months to launch sales of the $100,000 kitplane and aims to set up a manufacturing facility at Clark airport outside Manila.
The aircraft, with a maximum take-off weight of only 650kg (1,430lb), is designed to comply with US and European sport aircraft regulations. Dornier estimates initial sales of 60 Libelles annually and ultimately 150 a year, with North America and Asia the biggest potential markets.
The Libelle II will be marketed as an experimental seaplane trainer, but Dornier plans to later develop a certificated six-seat version.
BRENDAN SOBIE/MANILA
Source: Flight International
