Specifications:

Configuration:

The Super Petrel is a roomy two seated (side by side), amphibian biplane.It's composite fiber monohull body provides not only a strong and efficient structure, but also a beautiful streamlined and elegant design.

Construction:

Super Petrel presents a very reliable and excellent weight/resistance ratio, corrosion resistance and plasticity, due to the composite materials used to build it, like carbon fiber, fiberglass, PVC foams, epoxy resins, etc. These materials are combined using the most advanced construction methods. The Super Petrel is a fiberglass unibody aircraft and does not rely on a traditional tubular frame for its structural integrity, it is therefore much more resistant to corrosion. The non-fiber glass components use corrosion resistant aeronautical aluminum alloys (like 6061-T6 and 2014-T6), and stainless steel, and many are coated with polyurethane paint. All stainless steel and aluminum parts are cut with LASER or water pressure. The landing gears use oil over nitrogen shock absorbers and hydraulic disc brakes.

Aerodynamics and Flight Characteristics:

The airplane is easy to fly and very responsive while maintaining predictable flight characteristics at all speeds and in turns. The airfoil used in the wings is the NACA 24012, the same used on the efficient Cessna 182 Skylane. This airfoil is known for its very predictable and balanced behavior in all flight conditions. Add to this the neutral characteristics of the Center of pressure (CP) which makes the flight conditions approach that a medium wing airplane, and the result is a very stable airplane, with the best performance in its category. In addition the Johnston Bar manual retractable center over landing gear reduces drag during flight.

Hydrodynamics:

The hull and fuselage shape were designed to provide optimum safety by minimizing the possibility of nose submersion and porpoising during take off and landing. The tail slopes up in such a way as to make it is easy to take off and land without dragging the empennage. The design also makes it easy to take the aircraft out of the water on a boatramp or on the beach without dunking the tail. The lower wings deflect the water spray away from the propeller reducing wear and tear on the propeller blades.

Powerplant

The recommended Super Petrel powerplants are:

  • Rotax 582, 2 stroke, 65HP
  • Rotax 912, 4 stroke, 80HP
  • Rotax 912S, 4 stroke, 100HP

We recommend the ground adjustable Ecoprop Arplast Propeller, but other propellers are easily used as well, The engine mount and vibration absorbers are designed to lower vibrations transmitted from the engine to the structure, minimizing the noise in the cabin and reducing maintenance.

Trailering

The Super Petrel is designed to be easily transported on a trailer. The wings are easily removed and reinstalled without tools.

Other Features:

The Super Petrel is a strong, safe and very light amphibian sportsplane, that flies and performs like a conventional aircraft, reaching the best performance in its category.

Some special features in this aircraft are:

  • Comfortable positioning of the rudder pedals for pilots up to 6'3".
  • Instrument panel positioned near the pilot for easy reading and access.
  • Precise and safe landing gear retraction system, with optional pneumatic actuator.
  • Easy to maintain wheels and brake system.
  • Baggage compartment behind the cockpit (50 lb capacity).
  • Innovative solutions for engine installation providing very low noise and smoothness whichever engine model is chosen.
  • Perfect positioning of the thrust line, providing first class performance and balance on take off and landing as well as low fuel consumption.
  • Wings with winglets, reducing drag and increasing glide ratio.
  • Removable wing floats, providing easy operation when the situation does not require water take off and landings.
  • Strong sloping carbon fiber reinforced tailboom.