ICON Aircraft said it has incorporated performance-enhancing upgrades into the 2024 ICON A5 amphibious light sport aircraft (LSA) that shorten its takeoff distance and boost useful load. The improvements also will be available as a retrofit option for existing customers.
ICON announced a 60-pound increase in the A5’s gross weight, which results in a higher useful load of 490 pounds. Because the aircraft can burn less than 5 gallons per hour, the increased gross weight equates to two more hours of endurance or the ability to carry more cargo or heavier passengers.
The company said all 2024 ICON A5s will include the weight increase, and owners of earlier A5s can upgrade to the same performance level with an option package that includes a lightweight four-blade propeller from E-Props.
“In response to feedback from our owners and prospective customers, we elected to undertake further research and development to test the airframe and fully understand what we needed to do to increase the useful load,” said ICON CEO Jerry Meyer. “The solution is a reinforcement of our commitment to innovation, and a 60-pound increase is significant, especially in the LSA category.”
The new propeller, which is standard equipment on all new A5 LSAs, reduced the aircraft’s ground takeoff roll by 21 percent in standard conditions.
“The four-blade propeller is a huge upgrade to my ICON A5,” said Santiago Masdeau, an ICON A5 owner based in South Florida. “I’ve flown more than 100 hours with the original three-blade, and now I have around 20 hours on the new carbon fiber four-blade. Immediately, I noticed less vibration and noise, better acceleration, and improved takeoff distances.”
The 2024 ICON A5 Limited Edition starts at $409,000, with the Garmin G3X Touch available as an upgrade. Additional options include autopilot, digital altitude indicator, Signature paint schemes and colors, and Sirius XM Weather. Announcement of the recent improvements follow the FAA type certification of the A5 in the primary category.
