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

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

Key Takeaways:

XQT Aero is developing the ICON A5 light sport seaplane into an "Ocean Eagle" unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for potential U.S. military maritime missions.
The ICON A5 is considered uniquely suitable for these missions due to its folding wings, ability to handle higher horsepower, and advanced hull design for open ocean operations, distinguishing it from alternatives.
A U.S. government investigation (CFIUS) is underway regarding concerns that assigning the ICON A5's intellectual property to a Chinese-government-backed entity could compromise U.S. national interests given its military potential.

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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.