Lake Buccaneer Explained

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.

Development

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 Certificate as flying boats, without landing gear, but with removable beaching wheels, under the name Lake LA-4S Seaplane.[1] [2] [3]

In 1970 a 2000NaN0 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 2000NaN0 increased gross weight. Fuel tanks were also added to the wing pontoons, with 7.50NaN0 per side, taking fuel capacity from 400NaN0 to 550NaN0.[1]

A six-seat development in 1982, with a lengthened hull was named Renegade, this had either a 2500NaN0 or a turbocharged 2700NaN0 engine. A military version was called the Seawolf.[4]

Design

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 1800NaN0 piston engine in pusher configuration, pylon-mounted above the hull.[1]

Variants

LA-4 Amphibian
  • Production version with a Lycoming O-360 A1A 1800NaN0, type certified 26 July 1960. This differed from the Colonial C-2 in having four foot greater span, revised nose, doors, higher gross weight and reinforcement of the wing and wing-to-fuselage carry-through structure.[2] [3]
    LA-4A
  • Shorter bow from the Colonial C-2, only two built. Type certified 1 June 1960.[2] [3]
    LA-4P
  • LA-4 prototype, one only built. Type certified 21 June 1960.[2] [3]
    LA-4S Seaplane
  • Version without wheeled landing gear, produced 1969-72 under STC SA781EA approved 8 July 1969 and amended 28 November 1969, issued to Revo, Inc.[2] [3]
    LA-4T
  • Turbocharged version with 1800NaN0 Lycoming O-360 A1D engine and Rayjay turbocharger. Not produced.[2]
    LA-4-200 Buccaneer
  • Lycoming IO-360 A1B 2000NaN0[2]
    LA-4-200EP "Lake EP"
  • Lycoming IO-360 A1B6 2000NaN0 Standard fuel floats [5]

    References

    External links

    Notes and References

    1. Plane and Pilot: 1978 Aircraft Directory, pages 48-49. Werner & Werner Corp, Santa Monica CA, 1977.
    2. Book: Taylor, John WR. John W. R. Taylor. 1982. Light Aircraft. London, England. Jane's Publishing Company. 128-129. 0710601956.
    3. Web site: Type Certificate Data Sheet No. 1A13 Revision 28 . 22 July 2022. Federal Aviation Administration. Federal Aviation Administration. 13 December 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20210419175610/https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/aadeb25a7ac1489186257c3f0066ca2a/$FILE/1A13_Rev_28.pdf. 19 April 2021. live.
    4. Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1984–85, page 432. London: Jane's Publishing.
    5. Web site: Lake Amphibians. 3 January 2021.

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