Photograph:
First Ramphos amphibian in Australia on display at Narromine, NSW in 2007 (David C Eyre)
Country of origin:
Italy
Description:
Single or two-seat amphibious sport aircraft
Power Plant:
One 60 kw (80 hp) Rotax 912 four-cylinder, horizontally-opposed, liquid-and-air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 10.05 m (34 ft 5 in)
- Wing area: 15 m² (160 sq ft)
- Never exceed speed: 145 km/h (90 mph)
- Max speed: 110 km/h (68 mph)
- Stalling speed: 48 km/h (30 mph)
- Take-off run on land: 80 m (262 ft)
- Take-off run on water: 100 m (220 ft)
- Empty weight: 210 kg (463 lb)
- Loaded weight: 450 kg (992 lb)
History:
The Ramphos is a trike developed in 1998 to operate for the enjoyment of tourists requiring sightseeing flights over local beaches in Italy, which would be economical and easy to operate as a flying boat. Early models were fitted with either the Rotax 503 or 582 engine and the wing used was the HZ 15C, a 15 m (49 ft) wing which had been certified in Germany for some years. The double surface wing provided a relatively high cruising speed with docile handling and stall characteristics, and permitted it to operate in relatively high winds and heavy seas.
The airframe was constructed of aircraft grade stainless steel and the hull was of fibreglass construction which allowed continuous operations in salt-water environments. The Ramphos Hydro weighed 198 kg (436 lb) and became available to the amateur constructor in kit form in 2000. It is described as a quick-build kit which does not require welding or fibreglass work.
A further variant was the Ramphos Trident, made available in 1999 with a land undercarriage, with one lever action to extend or retract. A retractable water rudder is installed and it extends and retracts automatically in conjunction with the wheeled undercarriage. It is usually fitted with a Rotax 582 engine which drives a composite three or five-blade propeller with a brass leading edge for water protection.
The Ramphos/Sonic Amphibian was released in 2005 to take the German Sonic system, this being a DULV-certified German trike which can be fitted with the Rotax 582 or Mercedes Smart Turbo petrol engines. The Turbo G (gasoline) engine is a four-stroke 58 kw (78 hp) engine with a centrifugal clutch and belt drive. This model received German certification in 2006 and is known as the Ramphos S Amphibian, having a hull constructed from Kevlar and carbon fibre, the hull being equipped with Lexan viewing ports beneath the pilot’s seat and utilising the Rotax 582, 912 and Smart Turbo G engines. Seating is provided for one or two persons. A ballistic parachute may be installed and a Northwing Mustang wing of 19 m (62 ft) or a Gibbogear Swingwing of 21 m (69 ft) may be installed.
A small number of examples have been imported to this region, first registered becoming 19-4243 (c/n 21-36-2004) on 6 January 2005. This aircraft is fitted with a Rotax 582 engine. An example was registered in New Zealand on 24 February 2004, becoming ZK-SEE (c/n NZR1) owned and operated by Skywalk Ltd.