An ICON A5 for the U.S. Military

An ICON A5 for the U.S. Military—or China?

Julie Boatman

Monday, January 31, 2022 at 11:42 AM ET

Verified

How could the ICON A5 fit in a military operation? We asked an expert. [Courtesy: ICON Aircraft]

Key Takeaways:

The ICON A5 light sport seaplane is being modified by XQT Aero into a militarized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) named "Ocean Eagle" for potential U.S. military maritime missions.
XQT Aero asserts that the A5 possesses unique design features, including folding wings and an advanced hull capable of operating in high sea states, making it uniquely suited for these UAV applications over other aircraft.
A U.S. Committee of Foreign Investment (CFIUS) investigation is ongoing due to concerns that the A5's intellectual property, considered vital for U.S. national security, might be transferred to a Chinese-government-backed entity.

See a mistake? Contact us.

So, we had to ask: Is the ICON A5 really a platform of interest for the U.S. military? And would the assignment of its IP to a Chinese-government-backed entity pose undue concern for U.S. interests on the global stage?

A recent investigation opened by the Committee of Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS) came in response to a group of minor investors in ICON who asserted just this—and we wanted to understand how the A5 would fit any mission with higher stakes than splashing into lunch on a scenic lake.