The Lake Buccaneer is an American four-seat, light amphibious aircraft derived from the Colonial C-2 Skimmer, itself a development of the three-seat Colonial C-1 Skimmer.
| Buccaneer | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Four-seat light amphibious aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lake Aircraft |
| Designer | David Thurston |
| First flight | 1950s |
| Number built | 1000+ |
| Developed from | Colonial Skimmer |
| Variants | Lake Renegade |
The Colonial Aircraft of Sanford, Maine developed the C-2 Skimmer in the 1950s as a four-seat variant of the earlier three-seat C-1 Skimmer. The name was changed to Lake in 1959, along with some design improvements. Produced until 1970, this version was designated as the Lake LA-4 Amphibian.[1][2]
From 1969-1972 the company sold some LA-4s modified under a Supplemental Type Certificateasflying boats, without landing gear, but with removable beaching wheels, under the name Lake LA-4S Seaplane.[1][2][3]
In 1970 a 200 hp (149 kW) fuel injected Lycoming IO-360 engine was fitted and the resulting aircraft was named the Buccaneer. This model replaced both the LA-4 and Seaplane in production and has a higher cruise speed as well as 200 lb (91 kg) increased gross weight. Fuel tanks were also added to the wing pontoons, with 7.5 US gal (28 L) per side, taking fuel capacity from 40 US gal (151 L) to 55 US gal (208 L).[1]
A six-seat development in 1982, with a lengthened hull was named Renegade, this had either a 250 hp (186 kW) or a turbocharged 270 hp (201 kW) engine. A military version was called the Seawolf.[4]
The LA-4 is a cantilever, shoulder-wing monoplane amphibian with a single-step all-metal hull with retractable tricycle landing gear. It is powered by an Lycoming O-360 180 hp (134 kW) piston engine in pusher configuration, pylon-mounted above the hull.[1]
Data from LA4-200 Airplane Flight Manual. Consolidated Aeronautics, Inc. pp. 4–5.
General characteristics
Performance
Related development
Related lists
