Sea-Bow International Sea-Bow

The Sea-Bow International Sea-Bow is a Canadian powered parachute, designed by Gerald Racicot and produced by Sea-Bow International, formerly called Valmecot Inc, of Valcourt, Quebec.[1][2][3]

Sea-Bow
Role Powered parachute
National origin Canada
Manufacturer Sea-Bow International
Designer Gerald Racicot
Status Production completed
Unit cost
US$16,000 (base model, 2003)

The aircraft was introduced in 2000 and production ended when the company went out of business in 2015.[4]

Design and development

The aircraft was designed to comply with the Canadian Basic Ultra-Light Aeroplane rules. It features a parachute-style high-wing, single-place accommodation, with a second seat optional, tricycle landing gear and a single 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 engine in pusher configuration. The 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582 engine is a factory option. Before it went out of production the 74 hp (55 kW) Rotax 618 engine was also an option.[1][2][3][5]

The Sea-Bow is built from a combination of bolted 6061-T6 aluminium and 4130 steel tubing. In flight steering is accomplished via dual control sticks that actuate the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. The aircraft is turned right by pulling the right stick and left by pulling the left stick. On the ground the aircraft has lever-controlled nosewheel steering. The throttle control is located on the right stick. A number of canopies are available, including the El-Condor I, II and III eleven and thirteen cell models.[1][5]

The Sea-Bow's most obvious unique feature is the fitting of four highly angled, saucer-shaped polyurethane wheels outboard of, and in addition to, the main wheels. These "spyros" provide stability on the ground and in flight and the company claims "the shape and the precise location and positioning of these wheels enable the Sea-Bow to safely land and take-off on different types of terrain and conditions such as grass, sand, gravel, asphalt, snow or ice". The aircraft can even be safely water-landed as the spyros provide adequate flotation. They also provide enough ground stability that crosswinds will not blow the vehicle over, but instead allow it to turn into the wind.[1][2][6]

Specifications (Sea-Bow with El-Condor II wing)

Data from Sea-Bow and KitPlanes[3][5]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 10 ft 0 in (3.05 m) (carriage only)
  • Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) (carriage only)
  • Wing area: 500 sq ft (46 m2) El-Condor II, 13 cells
  • Empty weight: 340 lb (154 kg)
  • Gross weight: 680 lb (308 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 23 litres (5.1 imp gal; 6.1 US gal) standard, 40 litres (8.8 imp gal; 11 US gal) optional
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 582 twin cylinder, two-stroke, liquid-cooled aircraft engine, 64 hp (48 kW)

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 30 mph (48 km/h, 26 kn)
  • Endurance: 3.5 hours with 40 litre tank
  • Service ceiling: 8,000 ft (2,400 m)
  • Rate of climb: 1,000 ft/min (5.1 m/s)

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References
  1. Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page D-13. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
  2. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 85. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  3. Downey, Julia: 2000 Trike and 'Chute Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 17, Number 2, February 2000, page 53. Kitplanes Acquisition Company. ISSN 0891-1851
  4. "Internet Archive Wayback Machine". archive.org. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  5. Sea-Bow International. "Specs". Archived from the original on 19 January 2008. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  6. Sea-Bow International. "The Concept". Archived from the original on 19 January 2008. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
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