ATOL 495

ATOL 495
Role Sport amphibian
National origin Finland
Manufacturer Atol Avion
Atol USA
Designer Markku Koivurova
First flight 23 August 1988
Number built 5

Atol is a two-seat kit amphibious aircraft with a wood composite structure. It is available in ultralight and light-sport aircraft (LSA) versions. Atol aircraft are produced by the Finnish company Atol Avion.

In April 2017 it was announced that the aircraft will be built for the North American Market by Atol USA of Brunswick Landing, Maine.[1]

Development

The Atol was designed by Markku Koivurova and produced by Martekno Ky and later Atol Avion Ltd. The development of Atol began in the 1970s, inspired by the American Osprey II. The first versions of the design used the Ken Rand KR structure. Atol’s predecessors were larger and their structure recalled the traditional structure of a wooden aircraft.[2]

The Atol amphibian flew for the first time in Rovaniemi, Finland on 23 August 1988, and the first test flight on water was in Norvajärvi, Rovaniemi on October 20, 1988.

The first prototype was destroyed in a storm in the fall of 1989 but, with insurance indemnity and by using the first prototype’s front fuselage and wings, the second prototype was built. The second prototype made its first flight in Norvajärvi on October 12, 1990.

The Finnish economy fell into a deep recession in the beginning of 1990s, which reflected in Martekno Finland Ltd’s operations. During its brief history, Martekno Finland Ltd delivered assembly kits for five airplanes. Of the three that have flown, two are still in good flying condition.

In 1993 Atol Avion Ltd was established, and the company acquired Martekno Finland Ltd’s bankruptcy estate. In the time after the recess Atol has been developed continuously. The manufacturing technology of the structure and systems were refined, and the aircraft’s level of finishing was improved. The design of the engine cowling and the extension of the fuselage have been worked on for years and are being implemented currently in the third prototype.

The first water taxi tests of the new LSA version, the Atol 650, were commenced in December 2014 on the Kemijoki River, Finland, on the Arctic Circle.[3] This new version first flew on 9 April 2015.[4]

The 650 model will be built in Maine, United States, with European deliveries late in 2018 and US deliveries starting in 2019.[5]

On 3 July 2018, the 650 LSA prototype, OH-XNA crashed and burnt, near Rovaniemi.[6]

Design

The ATOL is a two-seater amphibious aircraft with a composite wood structure; it has tail wheel type landing gear which is retractable for water operations. Special attention has been paid to the aircraft’s safe handling features. For example, the change in trim caused by changes in power has been directed correctly (the nose rises when the power is reduced). The canopy lifts backwards together with the instrument panel. This feature enables the aircraft to be accessed/exited through the front deck.

The ultralight version has a lighter decoration and painting, and more limited optional equipment. The LSA version contains an auxiliary wheel in the nose (assisting in beaching when the shoreline is steep). It can also be equipped with an electronic navigation system with which beaching can be performed accurately.

Specifications (ATOL 495 LSA)

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Length: 7.45 m (24 ft 5 in)
  • Wingspan: 9 m (29 ft 6 in)
  • Wing area: 13.5 m2 (145 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 340 kg (750 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 650 kg (1,433 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 75 l (16 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 912 iS , 75 kW (100 hp)
  • Propellers: 3-bladed fixed pitch propeller, 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) diameter

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 170 km/h (106 mph; 92 kn)
  • Stall speed: 74 km/h (46 mph; 40 kn)
  • Range: 750 km (466 mi; 405 nmi)
  • Endurance: 5 hours
  • Take-off distance from water: 450 m (1,476 ft) (LSA)

Notes

  • Bodin, Jan: Perpetual Product Development - a Study of Small Technology-Driven Firms 2000, p. 143-151, University of Umeå's print, Umeå Sweden, 2000. ISBN 91-7191-752-7
  • Joensuu, Elina: Design in Finland 30 Years 1991, p. 30, Hämee's bookprint Ltd, Häme Finland, 1991. ISSN 0418-7717

References

  1. ↑ Niles, Russ (8 April 2017). "Finnish Amphib To Be Built In Maine". AVweb. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  2. ↑ Atol Avion Company Website
  3. ↑ Grady, Mary (24 December 2014). "Atol Starts Water-Taxi Tests". AVweb. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  4. ↑ "Atol Amphib Completes First Flight". avweb.com. Retrieved 13 April 2015.
  5. ↑ Baker, Jason (21 April 2018). "Aero: Atol 650 Amphib Finds U.S. Manufacturer". AVweb. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  6. ↑ Ranter, Harro. "Accident ATOL 650 LSA OH-XNA, 03 Jul 2018". aviation-safety.net. Retrieved 3 July 2018.
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