Lisa Airplanes' Akoya

In SuperyachtDesign Q2, we featured Icon Aircraft’s A5, a sporty-looking amphibious aircraft offering a range of 300 miles at a speed of 105 knots. French-based specialists, Lisa Airplanes, has developed and launched its own amphibious aircraft called Akoya, which the company is continuing to test run in preparation for its S-LSA American certification.


“Akoya is an ultra light aircraft with multi-access technology,” explains sales assistant at Lisa Airplanes, Cindy Panel. “It is capable of landing on water, land or on snow. It has been fitted with hydrofoils for stability when on water and features a retractable gear. If you wish to land on snow mid-flight, you only have to push a button and the skis are automatically fitted to the wheels.”


The two-seater plane has a maximum range of 864nm thanks to its fuel-efficient single engine, offering a top speed of 135 knots. Like the Icon A5, Akoya’s wings are foldable, making it possible to store onboard superyachts.


With the implementation of the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Sport Pilot license for the use of light aircraft and a new plane category, Akoya has been designed and built to be fully LSA (Light-Sport Aircraft) compliant.


“Akoya flows easily upon contact with water at a speed up to 49 knots, widening even more of the aircraft’s capabilities,” explains research and development manager Jean-François Clavreul. “We’re thrilled with the performance as a result of the hydrofoils along with the maneuverability and stability they provide. We’ve broken the seaplane rules but the result of our work is now acknowledged by the most renowned aviation experts.”


The aircraft is built from a combination of composite materials including fibreglass and Kevlar, using lightweight sandwich structures made of polymer foam core. This is combined with carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and pre-impregnated resin, supplied by Umeco. This composite is well known for its great durability and unequalled strength to weight ratio. The mechanical sections are made of aluminium and titanium, with all parts treated against corrosion.

Related Links:
Lisa Airplanes - website

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