SPECIAL OPERATIONS

AMPHIBIAN AIRCRAFT IS COUNTERDRUG AND SPECIAL OPS CAPABLE

THE SEAWOLF AMPHIBIAN

Lake Aircraft's Seawolf amphibian is capable of multiple international missions as exhibited by recent international sales in South America.

The Seawolf is a four-place, turbocharged aircraft with underwing hard points for carrying external loads and has a range in excess of 1400 nautical miles with external fuel and an endurance of more than 14 hours. The Multi Mission Amphibians Division of Lake Aircraft has been manufacturing amphibians since 1948 and recently made one available for inspection by Tactical Technology.

The aircraft can be equipped with a forward- looking infrared radar (FLIR) and is compatible with night vision goggles (NVG). According to the Seawolf pilot who was displaying the system, it has no problems flying at an altitude of 10 feet above water, well below most radar coverage. Its V-hull construction allows it to take on the handling characteristics of a speedboat while on the water.

The aircraft has quick disconnect wings that allow it to be transported in a C-130 or larger aircraft. Disassembly and reassembly have been demonstrated in less than two hours. It has also been demonstrated that the three passenger seats can be removed and four special operations type personnel with gear can be flown to an operational area.

The fact that the aircraft is an amphibian allows it to land on water, out of sight from land, until tasked to accomplish its mission. The rugged tricycle landing gear allows take-off and landing from unimproved landing strips. It can be refueled from boats and requires no exotic test equipment or tools. Operational costs are considerably less than those of a helicopter, Lake claims.

Lake is currently the only manufacturer of single-engine production boat hull amphibians in the world. Lake has plans for expanding the capabilities of the aircraft, to include a more powerful engine, as the market grows. The non-turbocharged aircraft that was made available to the editor was on its way to the factory for some modifications prior to its delivery to a South American country where it will be used for detection of coastal smuggling and fishing violations. A second aircraft is ordered that will be used for drug smuggling detection. The aircraft has been sold to Asian and European governments as well as a U.S. government customer.

The midwing design of the Seawolf and its position behind the cabin results in good visibility in all aspects. The hard points are designed with standard 14-inch NATO mounts. Auxiliary, jettisonable fuel tanks, Search and Rescue pods and other underwing stores enhance its versatility.

Contact: Multi Mission Amphibians. 407-847-8080.

TACTICAL TECHNOLOGY, July 21 1993

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