ABOUT US

Seabus Pty Ltd was established in 2008 to design and manufacture an intermediate 8 to 10 seat WIGE craft by a select group of aviation industry experts including Pilots and Aeronautical Engineers and Naval Architects.

This was done to take full advantage of the recently updated IMO WIGE Design and Construction Guidelines, that now allow for the full commercialisation of these cost efficient craft.

Based on the Initial Design Concept a full scale mock-up of the Seabus was built in 2012-2013 for PR purposes, this mock-up was terrestrial laser scanned and full CADS produced.

As Seabus do not have a manufacturing background it was necessary to seek by recommendation a suitable composite manufacture with a record of high quality services. Buchannan Advanced Composites (BAC) of Toowoomba, Queensland were thus selected and have agreed to perform all build services from CNC to commercial prototype

FEATURES

Engine

The Red Aircraft AO3 engine has proven reliability and attained ESA certification in December 2014. The 500 SHP AO3 turbo charged, liquid cooled, diesel engine was chosen to power the SB-8 as it offers simple and safe operation with the use of low volatility bio/diesel fuelmix. Although a heavy power plant it will provide an excess of required power for take-off and thus lessen the take-off run. The above fuselage placement minimises the possibility of foreign object damage and water ingestion into the induction system. The installation of the engine will allow for engine and prop removal in less than 30 minutes with a one-hour replacement time lessening time out of service.

PROPELLER

A 5 blade hydraulic fully reversing MT propeller has been chosen to drive the SB-8. This 5 blade propeller reduces vibration and lowers cabin and external noise levels. The MT propeller has a smaller diameter than the conventional 3 blade propeller allowing for the engine to be positioned lower on the fuselage thus lowering the CG.

WINGS

A low aspect ratio medium lift reflexed wing has been incorporated into the design not only to give the desired lift but to ensure longitudinal stability that is so necessary for these craft. The outer wings are fitted with ‘Horton’ droop wing tips to reduce wake turbulence and will eventually be fully folding to allow easier marina access.

FUSELAGE

The SB-8 airframe is made from all composite material making it corrosion free in the saltwater environment and far superior to seaplanes and floatplanes. This integrated structure is designed by Aeronautical Engineers and Naval Architects and is designed for long structural life, high damage tolerance, virtually watertight.

BOAT SHAPED FUSELAGE

The Seabus is designed and built to be aerodynamically stable in Ground Effect as well as being stable in the water at low and high speed, this water stability is achieved by designing and shaping the water hull or lower fuselage with a hard ‘V’ chine, this reduces the draft and enhances comfort and safety during the take-off and landing phases of the operation.

TAIL PLANE

The tail plane tips are fitted with vorticity reduction devices to reduce induced drag. Longitudinal stability is further increased by the disproportionally large span of the tail plane allowing absolute elevator control at low speed.

FLAPS

Simple split flaps will be fitted to the Seabus, these flaps are powered by a 24v linear actuator mounted in the fuselage and they will have an extension limit of 15° down, they are 600mm in width and span the lower rear inner wings and they will only be used for take-off. It is envisaged that Junkers flaps will eventually replace the split flaps.

SPONSONS

The sponsons main function is lateral buoyancy, they are quick fit being held on by 6 bolts, they also act as a vorticity reduction device for the inboard wing.

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