I recently came across the little Shavrov Sh-2 amphibian, widely used in the Soviet Union from the 1930s to the 1960. The Shavrov was in many ways the amphibian counterpart to the ubiquitous Polikarpov Po-2 biplane.
Since there are so few LSA amphibians, and almost none for plans building, I got to thinking that the Shavrov might make a great inspiration for a modern light amphibian. I am thinking of a plywood hull, aluminum-tube-and-fabric wings and tail surfaces, maybe Oratex fabric covering, 2.1 liter VW power (Aerovee, Great Plains, etc.), wood prop, hand-cranked (or lever) gear. The goal would be to keep it simple and light, ideally under 495 kg/1090 lbs gross weight to keep within the European microlight limits.
What do you think...something that our members would be interested in building and flying?
Cheers,
Matthew
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