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This year I met and interviewed the original designer of the SR 1
Hornet and designer
 and manufacturer of the Mariner, Larry Seifert.
Larry entered the ultralight market back in the early 70's with his
Hornet bi-plane "a cross between the Easy Riser and Volmer Jenson VJ
24."
The Hornet was originally powered by a Mac 101 go cart engine,
was foot launched, and had three axis controls using elevator and ailerons
through a side stick arrangement.
With it's large wing area and light
weight it made an excellent glider. Later models had landing gear added to
them and engine power increased to the Rotax 503.
Then in 1989 he introduced his latest design the Mariner. The Mariner
is a two place tandem seating amphibious bi-plane. It is currently being
offered in kit form, which will take the average builder between 300 and
600 hours to build, and requires no special tools, or jigging. It is also
offered as a ready to fly plane under the new Light Sport Aircraft
category.
The Mariner is set up to take a number of different engines, from the
Rotax 503 and 582 on up to the Subaru auto conversion. Depending on engine
power cruise comes in between 55 and 75 mph, top speed 95 mph, climb rate
1,000 feet per minute and stall 28 mph.
Take off from land or water requires 150 to 200 feet
For More information contact
Mariner Aircraft
651-464-4113 |
