Fly Synthesis Catalina Explained

The Fly Synthesis Catalina NG is an Italian ultralight and light-sport amphibious flying boat, designed and produced by Fly Synthesis, introduced at the Aero show held in Friedrichshafen in 2010. The aircraft is supplied as a complete ready-to-fly-aircraft.[1] [2]

Design and development

The manufacturer says the design borrowed from the development of the earlier Fly Synthesis Storch, stating, "The Catalina NG project evolved from the Storch amphibious aircraft experience".[3]

The Catalina was designed to comply with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight rules and US light-sport aircraft rules. It features a strut-braced high-wing, a two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration open cockpit, electrically retractable tricycle landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration.[2]

The aircraft is made from composite material, predominantly carbon fibre and fibreglass. Its 9.471NaN1 span wing has an area of 12.6m2 and electrically-operated flaperons. The standard engine available is the 640NaN0 Rotax 582 two-stroke powerplant. Folding wings and a ballistic parachute are optional equipment.[2] [3]

Notes and References

  1. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 52. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 54. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015.
  3. Web site: Catalina NG - Technical data. 20 June 2012. Fly Synthesis. 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20120113153008/http://www.flysynthesis.com/en/aerei/page88/catalina.html . 13 January 2012.