Monday 22 July 2013

Aero Gare Seahawk Amphibian(s) of New Zealand

The Aero Gare Seahawk was a composite biplane amphibian that was designed by Canadian Garry LeGare in 1982.  The design has passed through several owners over the years, but has not been built in great numbers.  We have had only one Seahawk in New Zealand, and I think this will be the only one.

Its length is 5.94 metres (19 feet 6 inches), the wingspan is 8.23 metres (27 feet) and the wing area is 130 square feet.  Empty weight is 408 Kg (900 pounds) and MAUW is 816 Kg (1,800 pounds).  Engines can be from 150 HP to 180 HP, and on a 150 HP O-320, cruise speed is around 140 mph.

ZK-SEA (c/n AACA/175/2) was registered to Ces and Pam Collings, and Bruce Fraser of Christchurch on 13/3/87.  The above photo was taken by Greybeard at the 1999 SAANZ flyin at Ashburton on 6/2/99.  It was sold to ML O'Neil of Christchurch on 9/2/01.

It was noted for sale on Trade Me in 2009, with the above photo taken at Wigram.  It is currently stored in a hangar at Rangiora.  I do not think it has flown much.


No comments:

Post a Comment