Arctic Aircraft Arctic Tern Explained
The
Arctic Aircraft Arctic Tern (named after the
bird) is a
bush plane that was produced in small numbers in Alaska in the 1970s and 1980s. It is a strengthened and modernised version of the
Interstate Cadet of the 1940s. It is a high-wing braced
monoplane with fixed
tailwheel undercarriage. It has two seats in tandem, with the rear seat removable for added cargo carriage. It is also provided with a cargo loading door in the
fuselage side to facilitate loading bulky items. Optional fittings included floats or skis in place of the wheeled undercarriage, and a ventral pod to carry extra cargo or fuel.
In 2007, the Interstate Aircraft company was planning a revised and updated Arctic Tern, with US FAA certification expected in the first half of the year.
Further reading
- Book: Taylor, Michael J. H. . Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation . 1989 . Studio Editions . London . 73 .
- Book: World Aircraft Information Files . Bright Star Publishing. London . File 889 Sheet 74 .
- Book: Simpson, R. W. . Airlife's General Aviation . 1995 . Airlife Publishing . Shrewsbury . 406.