Seawind Aircraft is set to roll out in the third quarter the flight-test version of its Seawind 300C, as production of the four-seat amphibian moves forward ahead of certification.
The first four or five production aircraft are set for completion before flight testing begins in September, although the company says it is hoping to launch full production in the fourth quarter with 24 aircraft set for delivery in the first year, says Seawind Aircraft president Dick Silva. Production capability will be expanded to 40 aircraft a year over the next two years, although Silva says this could stretch the company's resources.
The Seawind 300C falls under a joint certification policy that concurrently serves the requirements of Transport Canada and the US Federal Aviation Administration, with Transport Canada serving as the lead authority. Seawind says the regulatory process is 82% complete. Flight tests are the most significant remaining issue, according to the company.
Seawind has made two significant design changes to the 300C, moving to a sturdier landing-gear system and removing excess resin material on the aircraft coatings. A loss of about 73kg (160lb) in resin is partly offset by an 18kg gain caused by the new landing-gear system. Seawind also has lowered the interior floor to boost cabin height by 5cm (2in), raising the front seat to 109cm and the back seat to 99cm.
STEPHEN TRIMBLE/LAKELAND, FLORIDA
Source: Flight International
