Burt Rutan has started testing his latest airplane design, the SkiGull, an amphibious design he says will be his last. This week, the legendary airplane designer took the airplane to Hayden Lake for some early water testing. The fuselage was launched into the water before the wings were attached and Rutan briefed test pilot Glenn Smith on what water-taxi maneuvers to perform.
Burt Rutan Takes SkiGull to the Water
Key Takeaways:
- Legendary designer Burt Rutan is conducting initial water testing for his final project, the amphibious SkiGull, which has shown early design challenges with pitch angles at low speeds requiring modifications.
- The SkiGull features a unique retractable, flexible ski system for rough water, uses common car/boat fuel, is corrosion-resistant for saltwater, and can be stored in a single garage.
- It includes an innovative electric docking system for precise water maneuvering and emergency flight capability, and is designed for extended, quiet loitering.
- Rutan aims to fly this challenging amphibious design, which he considers more difficult to perfect than land-based planes, around the world with his wife.
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