The amphibious C-Wolf from South Africa has a diesel engine and extended range.
An amphibious aircraft known as the C-Wolf is nearing its taxi trials prior to its planned maiden flight in early 2016, after seven years of development in Doomfontein, South Africa.
The all-composite amphibian, described as a “scaled-up Seabee”, features a glass instrument panel, canard aerofoils, pontoons, a five-blade pusher propeller driven by a 3.2lt turbocharged engine, a T-tail and a ballistic parachute.
The amphibian is projected to have an MAUW of 1800kg with a useful load of 800kg, and is predicted to cruise at 120kt with an unusually high endurance of 12hr and the ability to attain levels up to 22,000ft. Its fowler flaps will allow good STOL characteristics, with a takeoff distance of less than 300m and a stall speed of 38kt.
The aircraft is built by VliegMasjien, a company owned by Wolfgang Vormbaum, who has stated that he visualised a robust amphibian that could be used for recreational transport, surveillance, anti-poaching and other civilian applications. Customised military versions are also likely and even a UAV version.
The builder, confident of ensuing local orders, has stated that were he to succumb to enticements from the Middle East to move his operations there, he would be immediately guaranteed a 25-aircraft order.
- Report by John King, photograph by VliegMasjien.