Lockwood AirCam: The Ultimate Exploration Aircraft
The Lockwood AirCam is a twin-engine, open cockpit, experimental light sport aircraft. It was designed in the early 1990s by Phil Lockwood, primarily for use in National Geographic project filming in Africa. Over the years, it has gained a reputation for its safety, versatility, and unmatched visibility, making it a favorite among aviation enthusiasts and professional photographers alike.
Design and Features
The AirCam is a unique aircraft in many ways. Its twin-engine configuration provides added safety and performance. Even if one engine fails, the aircraft can still maintain level flight. This is a significant advantage for pilots flying over remote or rugged terrain.
With an open cockpit design, the AirCam offers an unparalleled flying experience. The open sides allow pilots and passengers to feel the wind and hear the sounds of nature around them. It also provides clear, unobstructed views, making it perfect for photography and wildlife observation.
Twin Engines
One of the standout features of the AirCam is its twin Rotax engines. These engines are known for their reliability and fuel efficiency. They provide ample power for takeoff and climb, even from short or unimproved airstrips. This opens up opportunities to explore areas that would be inaccessible to many other aircraft.
Open Cockpit
Flying in an open cockpit is a unique experience that many pilots describe as the closest thing to flying like a bird. The AirCam’s design allows for a direct connection with the environment, making each flight an adventure. This openness is particularly valued by photographers and videographers who need a clear, unobstructed view.
Performance Capabilities
The AirCam excels in various performance aspects that make it versatile and capable. One of its key attributes is its short takeoff and landing capabilities. This allows pilots to operate from small airstrips, grass fields, and even beaches.
Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL)
STOL capabilities are a significant advantage of the AirCam. With a minimum takeoff distance of around 200 feet and a landing distance of about 300 feet, it opens up many possibilities. Pilots can land and take off in places that would be off-limits to larger, more traditional aircraft.
Slow Flight Ability
The AirCam is designed to fly comfortably at low speeds, which is ideal for aerial photography and wildlife observation. Its low stall speed of around 39 mph with flaps extended ensures that pilots can maneuver safely and efficiently at slower speeds.
Applications and Uses
The AirCam’s unique capabilities make it suitable for various applications. From wildlife observation to search and rescue, its versatility appeals to a wide range of users.
Wildlife Observation and Photography
Naturalists and wildlife photographers often choose the AirCam for their work. Its quiet engines, coupled with the open cockpit, allow for close encounters with wildlife without causing significant disturbance. The aircraft’s slow flight capability is especially useful for capturing detailed and dynamic images of animals in their natural habitats.
Search and Rescue Operations
The AirCam’s ability to operate from short and unimproved airstrips makes it a valuable asset in search and rescue missions. Its excellent visibility and low-speed maneuverability allow search teams to cover large areas methodically and spot individuals in distress.
Technical Specifications
- Wingspan: 36 feet
- Length: 28 feet
- Height: 8.3 feet
- Empty Weight: 920 lbs
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 1,680 lbs
- Fuel Capacity: 24 gallons
- Powerplant: 2 x Rotax 912 ULS engines
- Maximum Speed: 103 mph
- Cruise Speed: 90 mph
- Range: 430 miles
- Rate of Climb: 1,200 feet per minute
Build and Maintenance
Many AirCam owners choose to build their aircraft from a kit, contributing to the aircraft’s status as an experimental light sport category. Building an AirCam can be a rewarding project, with many builders forming a deep connection with their aircraft during the process. Lockwood Aviation offers comprehensive support, including detailed manuals and customer service.
Maintenance of the AirCam is relatively straightforward, thanks to its simple and robust design. The use of Rotax engines, which are widely recognized in the aviation community, ensures that parts and service are readily available.
Community and Training
Owning an AirCam often means becoming part of a tight-knit community of aviation enthusiasts. Many owners participate in fly-ins and other aviation events, sharing their experiences and knowledge with one another. Lockwood Aviation also offers specialized flight training to ensure that new pilots are fully prepared to operate their AirCam safely and effectively.
Fly-Ins and Events
Annual gatherings such as the AirCam Fun to Fly In provide opportunities for owners to connect and share. These events often feature workshops, flight demonstrations, and social activities, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie within the community.
Flight Training
Given the AirCam’s unique flight characteristics, specialized training is recommended. Lockwood Aviation provides training programs that cover basic operation, safety procedures, and advanced maneuvers. This training helps ensure that pilots can fully exploit the aircraft’s capabilities while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Conclusion
The Lockwood AirCam stands out as a remarkable aircraft with unique features and applications. Its twin-engine safety, open cockpit design, and versatility have made it a favorite among a diverse group of users. Whether for wildlife observation, photography, or adventurous exploration, the AirCam offers an unmatched flying experience.