Warrior (Aero-Marine) plans to fly the first of four Centaur light seaplane prototypes in the first half of next year, although the UK company admits funding remains tight. Despite securing $4 million of public and private finance earlier this year, Warrior managing director James Labouchere admits the funding will not take the programme beyond prototyping.
He says: "We will need around $25 million to fund the programme through certification, planned for 2005." Labouchere adds: "Once the aircraft is flying we shall promote the seaplane concept as if we have just invented it, targeting financial, marine and aviation sectors for investment."
Warrior is evaluating the Textron Lycoming 225kW (300hp) IO-540 and 260kW J2B piston engines for the folding wing all-composite, six-seat seaplane, which Labouchere says will be priced at between $525,000 and $550,000. The aircraft will feature composite hull technology from racing catamarans, which eliminates corrosion issues that affect traditional all-metal seaplane hulls, he adds.
Source: Flight International
