LAKE LA 4 – 180/200
Bumper – Usually on the nose of the float to protect the float from the dock
Chine – Located along the waterline its purpose is to deflect water to the side
Spray Rail – Protruding side section to defect water from the windshield
Cleat – Mooring attachment
Keel – Centerline support section of the hull to aid in directional control
Step – Tapered area of hull bottom designed to offer least resistance when on plane
Wing Float – Pontoon located outward under each wing to stabilize the vessel while on the water
Water Rudder – Retractable steering device located at bottom of the air rudder
V-Speeds
- Vso 45 Power On / Off
- Vs1 52 Power On / Off
- Vx 60 Flaps Down
- Vy 65-85 Flaps Down - Up
- Va 108 - 121 Maneuvering
- Vfe & Vlo 125 Extension
- Vne 146 Never
- * 85 Best Glide Flaps Up
- * 70 Best Glide Flaps Down
The Lake LA-4 was a development of the Colonial Skimmer IV and first flew in 1959. An improved version, the LA-4-200 (named Buccaneer)
was introduced in 1970.
This aircraft continued to be improved with the Renegade 250 being introduced in 1983. This aircraft is still in production with over 1,300 built.
History
1946: David Thurston and Herbert Lindblad acquire the design rights for the G65 Tadpole from Grumman and establish the Colonial Aircraft Company.
1959: Lindblad purchases the design rights and forms the Lake Aircraft Corporation.
1962: Consolidated Aeronautics aquires Lake Aircraft and splits the company into two divisions; Aerofab and Lake Aircraft.
2003: LanShe Aerospace LLC purchases the assets of Lake Aircraft.
2004: LanShe runs out of working capital and sells its assets in an auction