The prototype Barracuda first flew on 29 June 1975, it is an all-wood, low-wing monoplane with a retractable tricycle landing gear. The enclosed cabin has side-by-side configuration seating for two with dual controls. The prototype was powered by a 2500NaN0 Lycoming IO-540-C4B5 engine but it was designed to take engines between 150 and 300 hp (112-234 kW).