After assuming control of production for the Air-Cam, Lockwood Aircraft Company has been busy with several developments of the popular twin-engine kit-built aircraft. Lockwood engineers and staff have pursued an amphibious float system; redesigned engine mounts to accommodate turbocharged 115-hp Rotax 914 power plants plus updates for the latest 100-hp 912S engines; and, partial and full enclosures to better shield aft-seat occupants.
"While floats have been fitted to many of the 130 Air-Cams currently registered," indicated Phil Lockwood, "these additions were not factory developed. Now, following work with Montana Floats of Libby, Montana and Clair Sceli of Clamar Technologies we have created an all-new float package including all mounting hardware." The new Air-Cam Floatplane will be ready for display at the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in January 2009 and at the Sun 'n Fun 2009 airshow.
In addition to work on the float system, Air-Cam staff has been busy with other developments to the unique sport twin. In fact, among their many tasks Air-Cam's George Weber noted, "We are in production of a new Air-Cam promo DVD to show the amazing capabilities and new features of this one-of-a-kind flying machine. And we have our own new factory Air-Cam for demos and testing." Officials offer a summary to help interested parties track progress in several areas:
| Development of a new 914 turbo engine package with constant speed reverse pitch props for float equipped Air-Cam.
| Developments of a new camera mount for High Def video cameras
| An in-depth updating to all of the AirCam Manuals
| First Annual Air-Cam fly out; fall 2008 edition was to Marsh Harbor in the Bahamas
"We have much more work planned," added Lockwood, "and a full enclosure for the Air-Cam is near the top of the list for 2009. It would have been nice to get it done for this winter but it's just not possible. However, we do expect to have an enclosure available in time for next winter's flying. We will also be working to develop a way of improving the airflow around the rear seat without the need for a full enclosure."
"We have all of our resources allocated to other Air-Cam projects for at least the next 6 months," finished Lockwood, but he promised to let all Air Cam enthusiasts know as individual projects are completed.
Contact details from our directory: | |
Clamar Floats | Aircraft Floats |
Montana Float Co. | Aircraft Landing Gear, Aircraft Floats |
Lockwood Aircraft Corporation | Airframer |
Related aircraft programs: |
Lockwood AirCam |
Related directory sectors: |
Landing Assemblies |
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