Aviat Husky

The Aviat Husky: A Rugged Utility Aircraft for Adventure-Seeking Pilots

The Aviat Husky has been a favorite among pilots seeking versatility and performance since its introduction in 1987. This tandem two-seat, high-wing utility aircraft combines robust construction with impressive short-field capabilities, making it ideal for backcountry flying and various utility missions.

History and Development

Christen Industries began designing the Husky in 1985, utilizing CAD software to create one of the few all-new light aircraft designs of the 1980s. The prototype first took flight in 1986, and certification followed swiftly in 1987. Since then, over 650 Huskies have been sold, cementing its status as a popular choice among pilots.

Specifications and Design

The Husky features a braced high wing and tandem seating, offering excellent visibility for observation and patrol roles. Its sturdy construction includes:

• Steel tube frames
• Dacron covering (except rear fuselage)
• Metal leading edges on wings

Power comes from a Lycoming O-360 engine, producing 180 horsepower and driving a constant-speed propeller. This combination results in:

• Length: 22 feet 7 inches
• Wingspan: 35 feet 6 inches
• Wing area: 183 square feet
• Empty weight: 1,275 pounds
• Gross weight: 2,200 pounds (wheels and floats)

Performance

The Husky A-1C boasts impressive performance figures:

• Top speed: 145 mph
• Cruise speed: 140 mph (75% power)
• Stall speed: 53 mph (flaps down, power off)
• Range: 800 miles (55% power)
• Service ceiling: 20,000 feet
• Rate of climb: 1,500 feet per minute

Furthermore, the Husky excels in short-field operations. While Aviat's claim of a 200-foot takeoff distance may be optimistic, the aircraft still delivers exceptional STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) performance.

Avionics and Equipment

Modern Huskies come well-equipped for both VFR and IFR flying. Standard features include:

• LED navigation, strobe, landing, and taxi lights
• True Blue USB ports
• Oregon Aero fabric seats
• Adjustable front seat
• Removable rear seat and stick
• Elevator trim tab system

Optional avionics upgrades can include Garmin GPS systems and advanced cockpit displays, enhancing the aircraft's versatility for various missions.

Variants and Continuous Improvement

Over the years, Aviat has introduced several Husky variants, each offering improvements:

1. Husky A-1 (1987)

   Certified on 1 May 1987. Maximum gross weight is 1,800 lb (816 kg). Powered by a Lycoming 0-360-A1P or a Lycoming O-360-C1G of 180 hp

2. Husky A-1A (1998)

   Certified on 28 January 1998. Maximum gross weight is 1,890 lb (857 kg). Powered by a Lycoming 0-360-A1P of 180 hp

3. Husky A-1B (1998)

   Certified on 28 January 1998. Powered by a Lycoming 0-360-A1P of 180 hp (134 kW) The A-1B can be modified to accept a Lycoming IO-360-A1D6 engine of 200 hp (149 kW) and an MT MTV-15-B/205-58 propeller under an STC.

4. Husky A-1B-160 Pup (2003/2005)

   Certified on 18 August 2003 without flaps and 21 October 2005 with flaps. Powered by a Lycoming 0-320-D2A, 160 hp (119 kW). The Pup has a smaller engine, a gross weight of 2,000 lb (907 kg) and a useful load of 775 lb (352 kg)

5. Husky A-1C-180 (2007)

   Certified on 24 September 2007. Powered by a Lycoming 0-360-A1P of 180 hp (134 kW). The 180 has a gross weight of 2,200 lb (998 kg) and a useful load of 925 lb (420 kg)

6. Husky A-1C-200 (2007) Certified on 24 September 2007. Powered by a Lycoming IO-360-A1D6 of 200 hp (149 kW). The 200 has a gross weight of 2,200 lb (998 kg) and a useful load of 880 lb (399 kg)

Aviat continues to refine the Husky, with recent updates including enhanced VFR and IFR Garmin TXi panels, diamond stitch seat designs, and metallic paint options.

Safety Features

The Husky prioritizes pilot and passenger safety with:

• Advanced safety cage configuration
• 4130 Chrome Molybdenum safety seats
• 5-point seatbelt harness (optional airbags)
• Semi-fowler flaps with redundant load paths

Conclusion

The Aviat Husky remains a top choice for pilots seeking a capable, versatile utility aircraft. Its combination of robust construction, impressive performance, and continuous improvements make it well-suited for a wide range of missions, from backcountry adventures to pipeline inspections. While the price tag may be steep, many pilots find the Husky's capabilities and reliability well worth the investment.Variants

 

Specifications (A-1C Husky)

Data from Aviat website

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Capacity: one passenger
• Length: 22 ft 7 in (6.88 m)
• Wingspan: 35 ft 6 in (10.82 m)
• Wing area: 183 sq ft (17.0 m²)
• Empty weight: 1,275 lb (578 kg) on wheels
• Gross weight: 2,200 lb (998 kg) on wheels and floats
• Fuel capacity: 50 US gallons (190 litres)
• Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-360-A1P four cylinder, four stroke piston aircraft engine, 180 hp (130 kW)
• Propellers: 2-bladed Hartzell Propeller, 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) diameter

Performance

• Maximum speed: 145 mph (233 km/h, 126 kn)
• Cruise speed: 140 mph (230 km/h, 120 kn)
• Stall speed: 53 mph (85 km/h, 46 kn) flaps down, power off
• Range: 800 mi (1,300 km, 700 nmi) at 55% power
• Service ceiling: 20,000 ft (6,100 m)
• Rate of climb: 1,500 ft/min (7.6 m/s)

Avionics

• VHF comm radio
• Transponder
• GPS optional

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This article uses material from this Wikipedia article, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.