Thurston TA-16 Trojan / Seafire

 

David B. Thurston, veteran amphibian aircraft designer was completing certification requirements for his four-place waterbird, the TA16 Trojan, to be called the Seafire when FAA-certified. This means that home-builders will have a proven, FAA-certified amphibian structure if they follow the plans with care. The prototype Seafire was scheduled for flight testing in July 1981, while 45 home-builders already have Trojans under construction. Thurston, designer of the Colonial Skimmer (still produced as the Lake Amphibian) and the Teal Amphibian, estimates that the Trojan/Seafire can be built in 3000 hours by anyone with previous airframe construction experience. This time can be reduced by using sub-assemblies and parts available from Underwood Aircraft, 18440 South Broadway, Gardena, CA 90248. The Trojan/Seafire has a radius of action in excess of three hours and can operate from water, land, snow or ice.

The prototype N16SA first flew on 10 December 1981 and about 45 were under construction by 1982.

Construction, aluminum alloy with fiberglass bow deck skin and windshield enclosure
Power 160 - 250 hp

Seats: 4