AERO-VOLGA L-6

TYPE: Six-seat amphibian.

PROGRAMME: Prototype (01) built in six months and first flew in June 2000; public debut at Gelendzhik hydromarine exhibition in August 2000; promotion continued at MAKS, Moscow, August 2001 when L-6M first shown. A development, the LA-8 Flagman, was announced in August 2003.

CURRENT VERSIONS: L-6A: Initial version. Three-step hull.
L-6M: Developed version with increased MTOW and four-step hull.

DESIGN FEATURES: High-wing amphibian. Wings strut-braced and with engines mounted on upper surface; stabilising floats at approximately three-quarter span. V-type twin fins have conventional tailplane mounted at tips. Two-step hull. Downturned wingtips.

FLYING CONTROLS: Manual, with twin fins, each having rudder. Single-piece elevator with flight-adjustable tab. Two-section slotted flaps each side. Control actuation by pushrods.

STRUCTURE: Composites, with monocoque hull.

LANDING GEAR: Tailwheel type; retractable. Mainwheels, size 400x150, retract forwards into hull; tailwheel size 255x110. Hydraulic mainwheel brakes.

POWER PLANT: Two VAZ RPD-416 piston engines, each 121 kW (163 hp), driving two-blade, fixed-pitch propellers. Two fuel tanks, combined capacity 340 litres (89.7 US gallons; 74.8 Imp gallons).

ACCOMMODATION: Six persons, including pilot(s), in three side-by-side pairs; short, sideways bench each side of rear of cabin. Dual controls. Single hatch, forward hinged, aft of wing trailing-edge.

Data apply to both versions, except where indicated.

DIMENSIONS, EXTERNAL:

  • Wing span: 14.20 m (46 ft 7 in)
  • Wing aspect ratio: 9.4
  • Length overall: 10.00 m (32 ft 9¾ in)
  • Height overall: flying attitude: 3.00 m (9 ft 10 in)
    • normal attitude: 2.40 m (7 ft 10½ in)
  • Wheel track: 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in)
  • Distance between propeller centres: 2.80 m (9 ft 2¼ in)

AREAS:

  • Wing, gross: 21.50 m² (231.4 sq ft)

WEIGHTS AND LOADINGS:

  • Weight empty: 1,100 kg (2,425 lb)
  • T-O weight: normal: 1,600 kg (3,527 lb)
    • max: L-6A: 1,800 kg (3,968 lb)
    •   L-6M: 2,000 kg (4,409 lb)
  • Max wing loading: L-6M: 93.0 kg/m² (19.05 lb/sq ft)
  • Max power loading: L-6M: 8.23 kg/kW (13.52 lb/hp)

PERFORMANCE:

  • Max level speed: L-6A: 119 kt (220 km/h; 137 mph)
    • L-6M: 108 kt (200 km/h; 124 mph)
  • Cruising speed: max: 92 kt (170 km/h; 106 mph)
    • econ: 81 kt (150 km/h; 93 mph)
  • Stalling speed: 54 kt (100 km/h; 63 mph)
  • Max rate of climb at S/L: L-6A: 300 m (984 ft)/min
  • Service ceiling: 4,000 m (13,120 ft)
  • T-O run: on land: 300 m (985 ft)
    • on water: 350 m (1,150 ft)
  • Range: L-6A: 513 n miles (950 km; 590 miles)
    • L-6M: 540 n miles (1,000 km; 621 miles)
  • g limits: +3.8/-1.0

The article appears in the following publication:
Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2004-2005. Jane's Information Group Ltd. 2004. ISBN: 0-7106-2614-2

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