Aircraft LA-8 - amphibious for hard-to-reach places

Ultralight aviation in the Soviet Union was in great demand. Often only on compact planes it was possible to get to the most inaccessible corners of the country. For the inhabitants of the northern outskirts, aviation was a real salvation and a way of interacting with the "Great Earth".


But after the collapse of the USSR, light aviation fell into oblivion, although some private firms are trying to revive the industry. For example, in 2004, the LA-8 amphibious aircraft made its first flight - an eight-seater flying machine capable of landing and taking off not only on land, but also on water.

Brief history of the appearance of the model

Work on the amphibious aircraft began in 2000, and the prototype LA-8 was assembled by AeroVolga in 2003. Then the car was not presented to the public - it needed improvements and a full test cycle.



In 2005, the aircraft was demonstrated at the aerospace exhibition. The model became interested not only in Russia, but also abroad, but after 17 years there were few such aircraft assembled - only about a dozen.

LA-8 is a versatile amphibious aircraft. It is designed for one or two pilots and six or seven passengers. If desired, the aircraft can be cargo and carry about 700 kg.

Seaplane types

Aircraft that operate on the water surface are of several types. The simplest of them is the “flying boat”. This aircraft is capable of taking off and landing only from or onto water. Its features are contained in the name - the device has a fuselage in the shape of a boat, respectively, it is of little use for work on land.



The float plane is the most common type. This design easily keeps the aircraft on the surface of the water. Sometimes a landing gear is mounted on floats.



The most versatile aircraft is the amphibian. It is adapted to work both on water and on land. LA-8 belongs to this category, which means it is able to carry out the tasks of delivering goods and passengers to the most inaccessible places.

Advantages of an amphibious aircraft:

• ? Takeoff and landing on land and from the air
  
• ? Mobility
  
• ? It is possible to land even on a dirt road
  
• ? Low price compared to foreign models
  

Thanks to the advantages, LA-8 is the best aircraft in its category - it has an ideal price-quality ratio.

The AeroVolga company offers several modifications of its aircraft. Some differ in the motors installed on them, there are options with increased carrying capacity and increased flight range several times. Special attention should be paid to a special firefighting aircraft, which carries 1,2 tons of water on board.

What is LA-8 for?

The amphibious aircraft is capable of performing a number of general-purpose tasks. LA-8 is considered a passenger model by default, but it can easily be turned into a transport one. To do this, you need to remove the seats in the cabin and install special luggage fixing rails there. The length of the load can be up to four meters.



The LA-8 is also suitable for use as an ambulance. With the help of an amphibian, you can quickly transport the sick or wounded from the most inaccessible places. Of course, the plane is not as maneuverable as a helicopter, but it is many times faster - this is true when minutes count.



The advantage of the LA-8 is the ability to refuel the aircraft with motor gasoline. The flight range of the amphibian in the basic configuration is 1 km. There is a special modification with an increased fuel reserve, which allows you to overcome up to 200 km.

LA-8 can be used for flights in winter - for this it is enough to put a special ski landing gear, which is purchased separately. The plane is also suitable for oligarch fishermen who are not burdened with financial problems - the equipment can be regularly equipped with echo sounders.

Design features

LA-8 is a typical high-wing aircraft equipped with two Czech-made engines developing 235 hp each. With. each. At the request of the client, motors can be installed other - more powerful.



The aircraft is painted white and coated with a special varnish to protect it from the sun and precipitation. A range of 1 km is provided by three fuel tanks with a total volume of 200 liters. Two of them are located in the wings, the third - in the cabin.
The engines run on AI-95 motor gasoline. The fuel consumption of the aircraft is 35 liters per 100 km.

Due to the undemanding quality of gasoline, LA-8 can be refueled almost anywhere in the world. If necessary, the engines will also run on low-octane fuel, but for this it is better to take special additives with you and use when refueling.



Wheels with tires made of natural rubber - they are made according to a special technology and are resistant to impacts and aggressive effects of chemical liquids.
The chassis is controlled by a standard hydraulic drive. In the event of a system breakdown, levers for mechanical action should be used. The designers specially developed the chassis taking into account landing on an unprepared track or even a dirt road.



You can fly the aircraft both alone and together - it is equipped with two sets for a pair of pilots. This once again confirms the versatility of the model - LA-8 can be used for safe training of cadets. The pilot seats are adjustable - they are suitable for people with a height of 160 to 200 cm.

The plane is equipped with an autopilot, so you can relax in flight. The manufacturer recommends that two pilots go on long trips.

The speed that the aircraft can develop is 305 km / h. But flying at high engine speeds for a long time is not recommended. The cruising speed of the LA-8 is 235 km/h.

The plane can be used to move through the water - it has a special mode for this. There is an automatic blocking of the reverse - at engine speeds of more than 1 rpm, it will not be possible to use it.

Security level

The amphibious aircraft is equipped with a number of systems that can help the pilot during critical or emergency situations. For example, if one engine fails, the second engine will allow you to continue flying and landing.



LA-8 has a number of navigation systems that allow pilots to navigate in low visibility conditions. The aircraft is equipped with TAS - this equipment eliminates the risk of collision with another aircraft. There is even a backup power supply system in case the main one fails.

Especially in case of a crash, the aircraft on board has:

• ? Oxygen masks to help breathe during the smoke in the cabin
  
• ? Life jackets and inflatable raft for 8 people
  
• ? fire extinguishers
  
• ? Axe
  
• ? Floating rechargeable light
  

It is unlikely that all this equipment will be needed - LA-8 is a safe aircraft.

Despite its merits, amphibians are practically not bought in Russia. The main reason is the price. The new LA-8 is offered for about 150 rubles. Now only eight amphibious aircraft of this model are known to be in operation.