TYPE: Single-engined four-seat amphibian.

PROGRAMME: First flight of original C-1 Skimmer prototype May 1948; led to improved C-2 Skimmer IV and Lake LA-4, LA-4A, LA-4P, LA-4S and LA-4T (described in previous Jane's); LA4-200 FAA certificated 1970, manufactured in two versions (see below).

VARIANTS: LA4-200 EP: Standard version (detailed below); new features include propeller shaft extended 13 cm (5 in) to increase efficiency and reduce cabin noise, dynamically balanced Textron Lycoming IO-360-A1B6, aerodynamically improved engine nacelle, wing trailing-edge fillets to improve low-speed stability and deflect water spray hull hydro boosters for better water performance, reinforced floats and station 97 bulkhead, improved canopy, new instrument panel glareshield, new fresh air vents, additional corrosion proofing and new polyurethane paint.
LA4-200 EPR: As above, but with reversible-pitch, constant-speed propeller to simplify water operation.

CUSTOMERS: More than 1,300 delivered by 1990.

DESIGN FEATURES: Single-step all-metal double sealed boat hull; retractable water rudder in base of aerodynamic rudder. Tapered wings attached directly to sides of hull; wing section NACA 4415 at root, 4409 at tip, dihedral 5° 30', incidence 3° 15'.

FLYING CONTROLS: Manually operated ailerons, elevators and rudder; ground adjustable aileron trim tabs; outer portion of port elevator separate from inboard and operated hydraulicallv as trimmer; hydraulically operated slotted flaps over 80 per cent of span.

STRUCTURE: Wing has duralumin leading- and trailing-edge torsion boxes separated by single main spar; wing floats light alloy monocoque; hull alodined and zinc chromated inside and out with polyurethane external paint; metal ailerons and tail surfaces.

LANDING GEAR: Hydraulically retractable tricycle type. Consolidated oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers in main gear, which retracts inward into wings. Nosewheel, with long-stroke oleo, retracts forward. Gerdes mainwheels with Goodyear tyres, size 6 00-6, pressure 2.41 bars (35 lb/sq in). Gerdes nosewheel with Goodyear tyre size 5.00-5, pressure 1.38 bars (20 lb/sq in). Gerdes disc brakes. Parking brake. Nosewheel is free to swivel 30° each side.

POWER PLANT: One 149 kW (200 hp) Textron Lycoming IO-360-A1B6 flat-four engine, mounted on pylon above hull and driving a Hartzell two-blade constant-speed metal pusher propeller. Rajay turbocharger, reverstble-pitch and Q-tip propeller, optional. Standard usable fuel capacity 204 litres (54 US gallons: 45 Imp gallons); optional usable fuel capacity of 340 litres (90 US gallons; 75 Imp gallons). Oil capacity 7.5 litres (2 US gallons; 1.7 Imp gallons).

ACCOMMODATION: Enclosed cabin seating pilot and three passengers. Front and rear seats removable. Front seats have inertia reel shoulder harness as standard. Dual controls standard; dual brakes for co-pilot optional. Entry through two forward-hinged windscreen sections. Upward hinged gull wing cargo door standard. Baggage compartment, capacity 90.5 kg (200 lb), aft of cabin. Dual windscreen defroster system.

SYSTEMS: Vacuum system for flight instruments. Hydraulic system, pressure 86.2 bars (1,250 lb/sq in), for flaps, horizontal trim and landing gear actuation; handpump provided for emergency operation. Engine driven 12V 60A alternator and 12V 30Ah battery. Janitrol 30,000 BTU heater optional.

AVIONICS: Basic avionics installation includes com and nav antennae, cabin speaker, microphone and circuit breakers. An extensive range of avionics by Bendix/King, Collins and Narco, and autopilots by Brittain and Edo-Aire Mitchell, are available to customers' requirements.

EQUIPMENT: Standard equipment includes full blind-flying instrumentation, electric clock, manifold pressure gauge, outside air temperature gauge, recording tachometer, fuel pressure and quantity indicators, oil pressure and temperature indicators, cylinder head temperature gauge, ammeter, stall warning device, control locks, carpeted floor, four fresh air vents, tinted glass for all windows, dual windscreen defrosters, inertia reel shoulder harness on front seats, shoulder restraint on rear seats, map pocket on front seats, baggage tiedown straps, landing and taxi lights, navigation lights, strobe light, heated pilot, fuselage nose bumper, paddle, cleat, line, full flow oil filter, quick fuel drains, and inboard and outboard tiedown rings. Optional equipment includes hour meter, true airspeed indicator, shoulder harness for rear seats, alternate static source, manual/automatic bilge pump, cabin fire extinguisher, and external metallic paint finish.