Seabird Seeker
The Seabird Seeker SB7L -360 is a light observation aircraft of the Australian- Jordanian manufacturer Seabird Aviation Australia / Seabird Aviation Jordan.
History and construction
For many tasks for which a helicopter is used, this is not necessary as mostly no vertical takeoff and landing is required, and therefore also a slow -flying aircraft may be used with good visibility. This was the conclusion Don Adams and founded the Seabird Aviation to develop such aircraft. The machine should be excellent forward visibility, provide below and to the sides. They should be suitable for both civilian and military use and for police duties such as traffic monitoring, search and rescue, aerial view, and pipeline and maritime surveillance.
The Seeker is an unusual aircraft, it combines the panoramic view of a helicopter with the cheaper cost of ownership of a piston engine aircraft. The aircraft is a strutted high-wing aircraft. Behind the cockpit is the Lycoming O -360 piston engine driving a pusher propeller. Because of the propeller thrust of the rear fuselage part is made narrow, is at its end, a conventional tail. The machine has a non- retractable spur wheel chassis, very good low speed characteristics and can remain in the air patrol flight up to four hours. The seeker can also be equipped with electro-optical, and infrared sensors. She also has two external attachment points, for example, for additional tanks. The prototype was launched on 1 October 1989 (still under the name SB7L -235 ) for its first flight with a weaker engine than in the later - as a designated Seeker 2 - production version SB7L - 360th
Seabird Aviation is currently working on a variant of the Seeker - Stormer, an increase by 40 to 50%, lightly armored and armed variant. In contrast to Seeker, wherein said seats are arranged side by side, the Stormer has tandem seats. In addition, it should transfer larger wings have external attachment points for external loads up to 1000 kg and a stronger drive. In addition, a four -to six- seater passenger aircraft on the basis of the Seeker planned.
Military use
- Iraq Iraq: 2
- Yemen Yemen: at least one MPA version
- Jordan Jordan: 6