Can a light sport amphibian gain a beachhead in the new-airplane market? With Vern Raburn on its board of advisors and a veteran team of engineers from Burt Rutan’s Scaled Composites, California-based Icon Aircraft is approaching the market with gusto. Founded in 2005 by former F-16 pilot Kirk Hawkins, Icon’s inaugural product is a slick, two-place amphibian with folding wings and a 100 hp Rotax pusher engine. Projected to start at $139,000, the two-seat (side-by-side) Icon A5 is expected to have a useful load of 350 to 590 pounds (depending on options), a range of 300 nautical miles and a top speed of 100 knots. Its folding wings will allow owners to trailer the aircraft like a boat. Unveiled last month at a ceremony emcee’d by Raburn, a proof-of-concept Icon A5 is expected to fly this summer and could make its debut at EAA AirVenture, which opens July 28.
$139K Light Sport Amphib Makes a Splash
Key Takeaways:
- Icon Aircraft is developing a new light sport amphibian called the A5, founded by former F-16 pilot Kirk Hawkins and supported by industry veterans.
- The two-place Icon A5 features folding wings for easy trailering, a 100 hp Rotax pusher engine, and is projected to start at $139,000.
- Key performance estimates for the A5 include a 300 nautical mile range and a top speed of 100 knots.
- A proof-of-concept Icon A5 is expected to fly this summer and debut at EAA AirVenture.
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