Pereira Osprey I / X-28

The Osprey 1 is a single-seat flying boat designed and built by George Pereira in 1970.  It is built from fir and pine, with the vertical fin an integral part of the structure. The hull is skinned with mahogany plywood and glassed. The steel-tube pylon mount for the engine is bolted to the wing center section. A simple wing-folding mechanism holds the wings in position with the same steel pin which locks them in the ex-tended position. Power is provided by a 90-hp Continental.

It was re-named X-28 when the US Navy commissioned the Naval Air Development Center to do a study for reconnaissance flights in the Mekong Delta during the Viet Nam war.  The aircraft was evaluated with three other entries and selected for production in South East Asia.  George was asked to help set up production; however, the war ended before production plans were finalized.  The X-28A is on display in the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum.

The Osprey 1 was designed with folding or removable outboard wings and launched from a boat type trailer.  It is very light weight (600 lb), and 90 hp gives remarkable water and climb performance.

Complete plans (including the trailer) were available for $150 U.S. plus $20 U.S. for overseas.

Engine: Continental C-90-12, 90 hp
Length: 17’ 9”
Wingspan: 24’ 9”
Height: 5’ 3”
Wing area:   103 sq.ft   
Empty:  600 lb
MTOW:   900 lb
Fuel capaci-ty 16 USG
Maximum speed:  135 mph
Top level speed: 120 mph
Cruise 105 mph
Stall 55 mph
Range:  370 miles
Service ceiling:  17,994 ft
Rate of climb:  ft/min  2,200
Takeoff run: 200 ft
Wing loading: lb/sq.m  9 sq. ft.
Crew:  1