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In 2004, the Savoy region in France saw the foundation of LISA Airplanes, with the conviction that light aircraft goes beyond being just a means of transportation but also a symbol of freedom, as long as technology goes hand in hand with the sensibilities of human beings.

After a couple of years of work on the project, by 2006 already there was a first draft of an amphibian air vehicle that would not be materialized until 2008, at least as a prototype. And it was not until 2011 in which each one of the developed technological innovations converge in a final specimen ready for series production.

This vehicle, which goes by the name of Akoya, is defined as an amphibious aircraft equipped with a number of features that make it a delight for the travel and exploration lovers. Whether by air, land or sea, the Akoya can take the pilot wherever he/she wants.

This remarkable versatility is due to the Multi-AccessTM technology that has been incorporated into the aircraft, and which is constituted of two hydrofoils, landing gear, retractable wings and skis.

The Akoya has a range of 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), and can accelerate to a speed of 200 km/h (110 knots). After a plane ride, it can land on a landing strip no more than 200 meters long, and continue its journey overland by deploying its landing gear and retracting their wings.

 

Travel on water is based on two hydrofoils, or SeafoilsTM, that raise the fuselage during navigation and provide stability and comfort when landing or taking off from aquatic surfaces. Unlike other amphibious transports, it lacks a hull or floats, thus improving the aerodynamic design and flight capability.

Not limited to any specific surface, the Akoya also can land and take off from snow as well as skiing with his Skis-inTM, a pair of skis located in the landing gear that fit perfectly inside the fuselage and can be included or removed according the season.

Despite all this technological display, the interior has not been neglected at all, and provides total comfort for the traveler. The seats are fully customizable according to the needs of the pilot, grant space and reduce the common fatigue on long trips and specially turbulence. Also, the navigation controls are designed for ease of operation that makes it more pleasant, while enjoying the wide panorama of the cockpit window.

 

Text:  Amura ± Photo: Lisa Airplanes