Privateer Industries Privateer... It’s great being a Floridian. Need a couple reasons? How about 100F heat, mosquitos, sharks, snowbirds….and the Privateer Industries Privateer, of course. The Privateer (as we’ll name it to save some characters), is a thoroughbred amphibian designed to be fast, haul everything you can stuff in it, perform well on the water, but most importantly, look badass while doing it. Founder John Meekins was frustrated by the lack of anything on the market that would fill all the checkboxes of his demanding amphib needs. Inspired by the F-82 Twin Mustang’s twin boom design, he dreamt up the Privateer. John Meekins then teamed up with ex-Boeing engineer Bill Husa, rolled up their sleeves and kicked off development in 2008. Projected performance is impressive - 1,000 mile range, 25k ceiling and a cruise of 215kts, while carrying up to six. Powered by a Walter 601 with 724shp, the prototype has an open 4-blade prop but future developments will add a shroud for increased efficiency and lower noise.
The Privateer suffered a setback in development with Husa’s passing in 2012, but with the help fellow floridians CompAir, Meekins got the support he needed to finalize the design, and took flight in 2018 in Titusville, FL. Based on their latest website update, it appears they’re having some hangups with certification (the biggest hurdle with any new design), and I really hope they soon get past this. As someone who appreciates boat life, splashing down in a cool lake on a hot Florida day in the Privateer is definitely on this Floridian’s bucket list.
Source:
PRIVATEER 1st flight GoPro 5
• PRIVATEER 1st flight ...
Privateer Taxi Test
• Privateer Taxi Test
28 ноя 2022
