New Zealand manufacturer Vickers Aircraft announced earlier this month that they would add a four-seat version of the Wave amphibian to their product range.
The Wave, a high-wing, single-engined amphibious LSA fitted with either a Rotax 915 or 916 engine, has been in development in NZ for 15 years.
The four-seat version is expected to be able to seat passengers over 182 cm tall in the second row.
CEO Paul Vickers said the design, which included an MTOW of 839 kg under exemption, always contained the flexibility for several variants.
"From the very beginning–going back as far as 14 years–we designed the Wave with a single airframe capable of multiple mission profiles, requiring only structural changes between variants," he said.
"Both models will be available under LSA MOSAIC and Certified FAR 23 Primary categories, unlocking a world of possibilities for true cross-country adventures and commercial aviation opportunities.
"Plus, with performance exceeding a 120-knot cruise speed and Automatic Folding Wings with on-water folding (OWF), the Wave is set to redefine versatility in aviation."
The FAA's Modernisation of Special Airworthiness Category (MOSAIC) rules are expected to be announced this year, which will redefine Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) including removing the 600 kg MTOW limit.
Vickers will still not commit to a target date for the first post-production flight of the Wave LSA, only to say that it will happen sometime before the end of this year.