FIRST ARTICLES

As we continue to push through 2026, development is progressing well and many goals are being achieved.


Above: Elevator pushrod attachment bracket.


Above: Underside of Elevator showing Trim Motor cavity.




Above: Flap ready for bonding.

TESTING

We test, test and test again. As an example, we conduct multiple wing structural tests; this is to ensure repeatability in both the manufacturing and testing processes. The next wing test performed will include the wing-side wing fold structure and the storage tube.

Production Engineering is in constant pursuit of weight saving, and we need to chase every ounce. The control surfaces have gone through this loop, and we then structurally test again to validate that the structural strength has been maintained.

We are working through complex fuel design issues, and currently having tests conducted in Canada. These tests include the fuel pump lifting requirements, both at room temperature, hot and cold, and at altitude as the fuel boils differently throughout these scenarios. This ensures that the fuel pumps can lift the required amount of fuel without vapor locking.


Above: Wing ready for structural testing. Previous testing resulted in wing being tested to 8.2Gs.


Above: Elevator structural testing after weight reduction.

                      

WING FOLD

The wing fold is in the final stages of design, with the wing side having been released for first article manufacture. First article manufacture is the first stage along the road to proving the part can be successfully made, is structurally sound and can be made repeatedly, within the allocated hours and to design specifications.

Once the first article has been made, 3D scanning is undertaken and a manufacturing review is conducted. If any changes are required it goes through the first article loop again, and again, if needed. Once the first article is accepted we then up issue the design to Revision 1. 

At this stage it is approved for flight and can be batch manufactured. Each part and component are required to go through this process; this is an over simplified account but clearly explains what is required.

LANDING GEAR

Vickers are pleased to be manufacturing first articles for the nose landing gear. We are overcoming complex design issues with better ideas and revolutionary manufacturing processes that lead to the best amphibious gear design ever. We are satisfied with the results and are close to approval for Rev.1 manufacturing.
 
The main landing gear is in the early stages of plug manufacture; this is the first stage, to be shortly followed by the molds being made. The main gear is comprehensive in nature, as is the nose gear, but steady progress is being made.

Along with the structural components we are required to design and manufacture, there are multifaceted electrical and electronic aspects.

As with everything it must be custom designed, as the extension and retraction sequence is tailored to individual aircraft and is always aircraft specific. We must select and test actuators and design PCBs (Programable Circuit Boards) that perform our required tasks. Coupled with this hardware, custom firmware is required. Our in-house team are busy designing and manufacturing these elements for the landing gear, wing folding and water thrusters. Once initial design is complete testing with the landing gear will be done on our in-house designed and built testing rig. This rig will also be used to perform the structural drop testing in the coming months.

Once we release all this for manufacture, Rev.1, we will begin actuation reliability testing and cycle the gear many thousands of times to test for wear and breakage.

We recently took delivery of our Beringer wheels and brakes, factory modified for the WAVE to ensure maximum corrosion protection.


Above: Nose wheel housing assembly.


Above: Nose leg in bonding fixture. All bonding fixtures require in-house desgin and manufacture.


Above: Nose wheel assembly component.


Above: Nose wheel assembly component, with accompanying documentation.


Above and below: Beringer wheel assembly components.




Above and below: Nose wheel components ready for bonding.




Above: Testing Rig for landing gear drop and functional testing. Designed and built in-house.


Above and below: Custom PCB boards for landing gear actuation.

SCANNING

These folding H/Stab tip plugs are the next to go through mold build, part manufacture and then testing. They are scanned for fit against the original CAD model to ensure design tolerances are achieved. The below image shows the scan results, colored to show above and below tolerances.


Above: 3D scanning report for HStab tip. Colors indicate upper and lower tolerances when compared to the CAD data.


Above and below: Wingtip plugs ready to have molds taken from them.

5-AXIS CNC

Our new and required 5-Axis CNC router will be operational in October, when we will put this on multi shift cutting cycles.

Below are CAD images of the new CNC, as you can see it is very large in size.


Above: The new 5-Axis CNC that will be operational in October.


Above: A person standing at the control panel to show scale.

AIRVENTURE

INCREASED STAFF

As we push hard and ramp manufacturing, we have, and continue to, employ and train new staff. With this comes all the growing pains when you double and triple the staffing. What worked for 20 will not work for 50 or 60. New equipment is required alongside ramping staff.

This includes the new CNC router, larger curing ovens and additional cleanrooms to ensure temperature control is achieved.

WATER LOADS

As best we can make out, the last time any real water loads were attempted was in the 40’s and 60’s with the old-style seaplanes of the day.

We have had to undertake the monstruous task of establishing the new standard. This entails thousands of potential load cases that the WAVE may experience, taking these and implementing a practicable and realistic set of real-world requirements that both structurally size the hull and fuselage, but also translate directly into the POH. These are also then used for structural G-load testing of the engine mount and tail plane.

FOCUS.

As airshow season commences, we remain focused in the factory, designing and building our aircraft. We are deep in production development mode, the long and difficult final phase before our first customer delivery.

We continue to take the time that is necessary to ensure that the WAVE is built and manufactured correctly, repeatably and as cost effectively as possible.

Taking the time now to improve manufacturing techniques that will set Vickers apart and reduce the number of manufacturing issues per aircraft that plague legacy companies and ultimately cost the customer with increased prices.

Being innovative and flexible remain one of our strongest focuses as we continue to push hard in the last climb before serial deliveries.

Recent visits to the US have yielded fantastic connections as we look to finalize our USA manufacturing, training and delivery sites.

We continue to purchase new production equipment and ramp our staff to meet the demands of production, with our undercarriage currently being produced and drop testing fast approaching.

We have now performed multiple structural wing tests to ensure manufacturing repeatability, taking these to full destruction and getting as much data as possible, ensuring the failure mode was as expected.

Current expansions include new CNC cutting equipment, paint booth, ovens as well as QA scanning equipment. With increasing staff and part manufacture, additional environmentally controlled clean rooms also need to installed in the coming months.

Focus at Vickers is on manufacturing, safety and production.
 

Above: Early production test wing. Note the square storage tube.

Above: Structural testing Horizontal Stabilizer, elevator attached.

SCHEDULE

As we power through 2025, we missed our self-appointed delivery target for the middle of this year, why?

Production is hard.

We are not only designing a product — we are designing the company that makes it possible. We are creating a machine that can design a machine, a machine that can build a machine, and a machine that can test a machine. We are building an ecosystem of innovation, where each layer empowers the next, where each layer is critical to the overall success.

The time needs to be taken now to ensure problems are solved today and not passed onto the production aircraft which results in ongoing manufacturing issues that drive up costs and cause further delays. This takes an incredibly disciplined and talented team, and that is what Vickers is.

The rigors of manufacturing an aircraft in composites are highly demanding, and one that we take seriously. I have stated before that it will take the time needed to deliver a safe and affordable aircraft. Taking an aircraft into production is as hard as it gets in manufacturing with many years of design and R&D coming together rapidly, while ensuring all care is taken to produce repeatability and quality.

Much of this year has been about this, ensuring quality and repeatability and testing this process via different mechanisms, including structural testing to destruction.

VICKERS AIRCRAFT USA

We are delighted to share an important milestone in the growth of Vickers Aircraft. Vickers Aircraft USA, a registered C Corporation, has now been formally established. This marks a significant step forward as we expand our operations internationally. Planning is already underway for our U.S. manufacturing facility, with site selection in progress and the first phase of hiring beginning.

Establishing a strong presence in the United States provides us with many strategic advantages. By producing locally, we avoid international tariffs, reduce freight and logistics costs, and streamline delivery and customer training. It also allows us to tap into a larger employment pool and position ourselves at the heart of our target market. These benefits will enable us to lower production costs, improve efficiency, and deliver even greater value for money—continuing the commitment to quality and innovation that has always defined Vickers Aircraft.

To support this next phase of growth, we will soon be launching a new website with more details about our U.S. operations. The site will also feature a dedicated careers page, offering opportunities for talented individuals to join us in shaping the future of aviation and bringing an advanced, cutting-edge aircraft to market.

If you are looking for an aviation investment with a company that is doing things right, please contact us and help bring this revolutionary aircraft to market.  info@vickersaircraft.com


 

MOSAIC – Part 22

At this year’s Oshkosh event, the FAA officially announced the introduction of the MOSAIC/Part 22 rule, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of light aircraft certification. Under this new framework, the ASTM committee has been given 365 days to complete and approve all relevant ASTM standards to support implementation.

We are pleased to confirm that the WAVE is fully aligned with the requirements of Part 22. With the retirement of the Light Sport category, Part 22 will now stand as the governing standard, and pilots holding an LSA license will be authorized to operate aircraft certified under Part 22.

Importantly, no design changes are required for the WAVE. Anticipating these regulatory developments well in advance, we had already increased the Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) and adjusted the stall speed to 50 knots, which in turn allows for a manoeuvering speed of 106 knots. These refinements were deliberately made to take full advantage of the forthcoming standards.

The new rule offers a number of key advantages, including the removal of MTOW and speed restrictions, and the allowance of both retractable undercarriage and constant-speed propellers. Additionally, Part 22 aircraft may now be configured with up to four seats, and certain types of operations for hire are permitted.

The WAVE is well-positioned to be among the very first aircraft certified under Part 22. Given that the approval processes and flight-testing requirements remain consistent with those established for LSA, we anticipate a smooth transition with no unforeseen challenges.

This landmark development reinforces the foresight and preparedness behind the WAVE program and places us at the forefront of the next chapter in aviation regulation and innovation.

Production Update

Our production team has been exceptionally busy this year, focused on manufacturing the components and structures for the first aircraft in our program. Producing the initial parts for each assembly is a significant undertaking, drawing on many years of research, development, and rigorous testing. We’re pleased to report that these first components are passing inspections, receiving approvals, and being moved into inventory—an important milestone for the program.

Even more impressively, we are meeting our target production times for these initial parts. Achieving this level of efficiency at such an early stage is a remarkable accomplishment. It not only demonstrates the strength of our planning and preparation but also provides a solid foundation for continuous improvement in our manufacturing processes.

Meeting production times this early means we’re well-positioned to optimize further—and ultimately, to deliver aircraft that are both high quality and commercially viable.

Structural Testing

As we continue to manufacture production assemblies, we produce multiple sets to ensure repeatability and conformity to design, some of which are detailed below.

Wing

Vickers successfully completed the first wing test. The wing that was tested was manufactured as a concept test article and was not intended to meet full loading. We were very impressed with how much load this particular wing took, and the failure mode was as expected.

Production are currently manufacturing the first full production wing that will go through full load testing in the near future.

The below photo is of the wing in the testing fixture. Note all aspects of this test had to be designed and manufactured, a small insight into the level of work and detail that is required. This initial test proved our fixtures and process.

Flap

Last week the flap assembly was structurally tested,  including the wing flap hangers. Results were as expected, with the flap exceeding Ultimate load comfortably with the eventual failure mode as expected.

Below. Flap ready for testing.

Below. Over 665lbs (302kgs) of weight applied.

Aileron

This valuable information enables us to close the structural analysis loop, enhancing our understanding of each assembly’s behavior under stress. These insights will play a crucial role in informing future maintenance strategies and developing repair procedures for aircraft once they are in service.


Above photo: Aileron being tested to destruction. Limit load 59.3kgs (130.7lbs) | Ultimate Load 88.9kgs (196lbs | Destruction 310kgs (683.4lbs).

HIRES

We have hired new manufacturing staff who are already manufacturing production components. We are currently expanding the planning and CNC departments as the workload is rapidly increasing with Engineering releasing completed assemblies, including the nose and main landing gear.

Below Photo: A recent mold ready for Carbon Fibre



Below Image: Nested ply patterns that make six (6) aileron ribs. 



Below photos: Individual carbon fibre plies prepared by design and cut via CNC. Six aileron ribs.



Below: Ink marking for part numbering and laser projection.





Video link below showing Carbon Fibre being cut.

Kirk Hawkins – ICON

I want to acknowledge the tragic loss of Kirk Hawkins, ICON’s Co-Founder and CEO, who passed away last week in a wingsuit accident in Switzerland.

Over the past few years, I had the privilege of getting to know Kirk and considered him a friend. We often shared battle stories about the immense challenges of bringing an amphibious aircraft to market — a journey that only a handful of people have truly undertaken. Kirk was one of the very few who not only walked that path but succeeded in delivering a new aircraft to the world.

I can tell you from experience that this feat is as close to impossible as one can imagine. It demands extraordinary vision, relentless determination, and a willingness to sacrifice deeply. Kirk once said, “It will bring you to your knees.” The way he said it carried the weight of experience, and he was absolutely right.

Despite our different personalities and approaches, we shared the same mission: to bring groundbreaking aircraft to market and change the future of aviation. Kirk achieved what few ever have, setting a benchmark for all of us at Vickers. He generously shared lessons learned, offered insights into what he might have done differently, and always encouraged me to keep pushing forward. His final words to me were, “It’s up to you now to carry the mantle.”

Kirk lived life with intensity and passion, and in many ways, he left it the same way he lived — at 100 miles per hour. His impact on aviation, and on those fortunate enough to know him, will not be forgotten.


                                                      

A frequently asked question I receive is, “What is taking so long?” Given the scale and complexity of a project like this, it’s worth explaining some of the key challenges we’ve faced and the strategies we’ve employed to address them.

The process of developing an aircraft like the WAVE has spanned nearly 15 years—approximately one-third of my life. To put this in context, one of our current employees was just five years old when this project began. The path to this stage has been characterized by sustained focus and incremental progress.

For the first three to four years, I was the only person dedicated full-time to the WAVE, working six to seven days a week on design and testing. These early years were focused on ensuring the structural and aerodynamic integrity of the aircraft—a process that was validated by its performance in initial tests, which showed excellent functionality directly off the drawing board.

It wasn’t until late 2016 that Vickers began scaling operations. This period marked our move to a larger facility and the start of assembling a dedicated team. Our early hires, though highly capable, were relatively new to the unique challenges of aircraft manufacturing. Building a skilled team that could effectively collaborate on this ambitious project was a gradual process, and assembling the right blend of talent and expertise took time. Today, the team has grown to approximately 20 members, who have collectively demonstrated an ability to deliver results that rival much larger organizations. Despite a modest budget and a streamlined team, we have successfully moved from design to production of a fully operational aircraft.

New Zealand’s regulatory environment presents an additional set of challenges for Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) manufacturing. Here, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)—similar to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)—requires LSA manufacturers to meet General Aviation (G.A.) manufacturing standards. Consequently, our company must adhere to rigorous standards and navigate various certification obstacles. The country’s stringent test pilot requirements, narrow the pool of qualified candidates for essential testing roles.

Our approach from the beginning has been to construct the prototype with production tooling, molds, and processes. This approach aims to reduce variability in future production stages, though it requires significant up-front investment in research and development (R&D). Creating production-ready tooling, molds, and composite structures is a complex process. Many manufacturers prioritize design at the expense of manufacturability, but we have chosen to focus on both, with an emphasis on building production efficiencies from the outset. This approach has necessitated extensive trial and error, as well as the development of detailed manufacturing protocols, especially given our use of composite materials.

Composite materials, particularly carbon fiber, pose additional complexity due to their variability. Unlike aluminium, for which structural properties and specifications are standardized and readily available, carbon fiber varies depending on the manufacturer. Each type of carbon fabric has unique characteristics based on the material’s weave, the machinery used in its production, and the proprietary resins applied by the supplier. When we receive the carbon fiber, further factors—such as the composition of the mold, oven types and curing cycles, and vacuum application techniques—affect the final product’s structural properties.

Each composite assembly undergoes rigorous testing. We produce hundreds of test samples (coupons) in various weights and configurations, which are sent to certified labs. These samples are then tested across a range of environmental conditions, including standard daily temperatures, elevated temperatures, hot and wet conditions, and extreme cold. This testing yields “material allowables” which guide the design and size of components to ensure compliance with our structural requirements. We repeat these tests with various adhesives to validate bonding integrity under similar environmental stresses.

This technical and regulatory rigor provides a snapshot of what’s involved in bringing a greenfield aircraft design to life. In addition to fundamental requirements, we have introduced unique features, such as automatic wing-folding, anti-flip landing gear, and water thrusters. Integrating these innovations on an amphibious aircraft, while staying within the weight constraints of the LSA category, adds another layer of engineering complexity. Yet, these features are critical to achieving the performance and usability targets we have set for the WAVE.

With all technical, regulatory, and design challenges considered, financing remains the ongoing priority. The process of securing capital to support long-term development is as complex as the technical aspects of the project. However, these efforts are essential to delivering an aircraft that will meet the high standards of safety, performance, and regulatory compliance in 2025, and this is why choosing the correct investors, that share our vision, is as critical as choosing the correct carbon fiber. Please share our ongoing investment search with your network, and help be part of bringing the WAVE to market.

                          

NEWS UPDATE

Production Focus
Our team is firmly focused on moving into production as we enter the final stages of development. We’re excited to share some recent progress across key areas.

Water Thruster Testing
Our recent water tests of the WAVE’s water thrusters were a resounding success. The results showed excellent manoeuvrability, as well as impressive control and docking ease, underscoring the thrusters' efficiency and responsiveness. Please take a moment to view this brief video showcasing these capabilities:

VIDEO LINK | THRUSTER TESTING

Flight Testing
We are embarking on a new phase of flight testing to finalize the remaining design elements. This testing phase includes assessments of new propellers and production-ready anhedral tips for the horizontal stabilizer, all of which are designed to enhance stability, performance, and handling, while improving aesthetics.
 
Career Opportunities
As we accelerate toward full production, we are expanding our team. We are actively recruiting skilled professionals who are passionate about contributing to the aviation field. If you or someone you know has relevant experience, please consider joining our innovative team.

Open Positions:

• Composite Technicians – [Apply Here]
• Senior Stress/Structural Engineer – [Apply Here]
• Design/Production Engineer – [Apply Here]
• CNC Operator – [Apply Here]

• Q1 2025: Initial U.S. sales and distribution location announcement
• Q2 2025: U.S.-based manufacturing State location selection
• Post-Production First Flight: Opening of order book and implementation of Customer Management System

Stay tuned for more updates as we progress toward production and beyond!

Over the last two decades, the aviation industry has faced a period of stagnation. However, our innovative aircraft is poised to breathe new life into this field, offering a transformative adventure experience like never before. Our WAVE^TM— an amphibious marvel designed to unlock the full spectrum of aviation exploration, both on land and water. With its imminent arrival in 2025, coinciding with the implementation of new FAA aviation regulations, the WAVE^TM is set to redefine the boundaries of adventure aviation.

From border patrols to search and rescue missions, from tourism ventures to water taxi services, the WAVE^TM opens up a myriad of possibilities. This revolutionary aircraft has been meticulously developed over 14 years, leveraging advancements such as the Light-Sport category introduced 15 years ago to significantly reduce market entry costs.

Following the successful completion of our rigorous test flight program, we are proud to affirm that the WAVE^TM delivers on its promise of unparalleled performance, comfort, and value. Its automatic folding wings and water thrusters make it adaptable to various environments—whether stored in your garage, trailered for transport, or docked at your waterfront property or super yacht.

With a cruising speed of 120 knots, a generous useful load of 750 pounds, and an impressive range of 1100 nautical miles, the WAVE^TM stands in a league of its own. Our production facility is fully operational, gearing up to meet the high demand, with the first customer aircraft slated for delivery in the USA by April 2025.

Against the backdrop of recent industry developments, and the impending FAA MOSAIC rules, the opportunities for the WAVE^TM are boundless. At Vickers Aircraft, we are currently seeking passionate aviators to join us in realizing our vision of bringing this extraordinary light amphibious aircraft to market.

Our current open capital raise presents an opportunity for investors who recognize the potential of the WAVE^TM. Despite the modest amount we seek, investors have been consistently impressed by our achievements to date, for the low investment raised — establishing a full-scale production facility, perfecting a flying aircraft, and inching closer to our inaugural delivery within just 12 months. Potential investors, contact us at info@vickersaircraft.com

With a keen eye on market dynamics and a commitment to learning from past missteps, Vickers Aircraft has navigated the complexities of aircraft product development with resilience and foresight. Having front-loaded the manufacturing process, already making the mistakes that come with new product development, and adjusted our processes and procedures, we have already learned many of the lessons that cause aircraft delivery delays and, in most cases, failure to ever bring a competitive product to market.

Our production facility is busy manufacturing components, with the majority of the production tooling already made and in use.

Above. Vickers Aircraft production facility.

As a predominantly USA-owned company, we are actively exploring manufacturing locations in the US for streamlined production.

Vickers has achieved what others only dream about.

The Vickers WAVE has successfully completed our flight testing program (FTP).

The WAVE performed exceptionally well, so well in fact that we believe we may have achieved a world-first, a 100% score, passing all criteria and requiring zero changes. Meaning the prototype is perfect and can enter production, first components are underway.

"In conducting a Flight Test Plan on the Vickers Wave proof of concept, an evaluation was made of the plane's adherence to ASTM Light Sport Aircraft standards.   Controllability, maneuverability, stability, stall, and water handling were tested throughout the CG envelope.  The test points included those that are routinely difficult for manufacturers to pass, and the Wave passed these with margin.  The results lend confidence to the opinion that, when it comes time for certification, the Vickers Wave will demonstrate compliance to all flight characteristics and performance requirements.”

L. A. Fox - FAA DER - Flight Test Pilot

"It is now with the utmost confidence we can confirm that the WAVE will achieve our original performance goal of a 120knot cruise. This allows the Wave to not only compete directly with leading GA aircraft but to take you beyond the restraint’s current aircraft offer. With the Wave, previous pusher amphibian compromises are now benefits, offering unobstructed visibility, high cruise speeds, and a 750lb useful load all with folding wings and the ability to travel further and land where others cannot, a true adventure plane and the ultimate Light Sport Aircraft".

Paul Vickers - CEO.

The WAVE at 6000' in full stall. We tested the CG range to the aft limit of 30%, all stalls were aft stick-limited, meaning no aerodynamic stall occurred. This results in a very docile and predictable aircraft.

Please see the link below showing the WAVE accomplishing a moment 13 years in the making.

INVESTMENT

We continue to seek like-minded aviators who share our vision and appreciate our approach to bringing the WAVE to market. We have so far spent a minute amount compared to similar companies, so if you are interested in investment opportunities, Vickers Aircraft is looking for people who want to shape the future of sport aviation.  The Wave offers a unique combination of innovative features, performance, and safety.

We are 13 years into the development of the Wave, our manufacturing facilities are complete, initial deliveries are scheduled, test flights are complete and production molds are already in use. 

Our business model is achievable, sensible, and sustainable.  We are offering equity at a rate that should provide an attractive return and allow you to be a part of the team that brings this remarkable aircraft to market.
 
If you would like to learn more, please express your interest using this link INVESTORS. I will personally discuss this opportunity with interested investors. 

The Vickers WAVE has completed the hull testing phase and the results are incredible.

2022 in New Zealand had a particularly windy summer/fall that exceeded our flight test plan wind limits daily, drastically reducing the time we could fly. We took this opportunity to test the hull and its capabilities, fine-tuning it to remove any unfavorable tendencies other seaplane manufacturers tolerate. We are pleased to announce that we achieved our goal and recently had a seaplane test pilot undertake hull testing, giving the WAVE 10/10 for all aspects of safety and performance; by far the best, safest and fun hull he has experienced.

We water-tested our entire CG range, slightly above our MTOW of 1850 lbs (FAA Weight Exemption for additional MTOW). The WAVE effortlessly, and quickly, accelerates onto the step in a matter of seconds, requiring very minimal pilot input, and from there, it rapidly accelerates towards takeoff speed. From extensive testing, we can confidently say that rotation will be achieved in under 20 seconds, in approximately 150m (500 feet)

Please see the YouTube link below showing the WAVE accomplishing this, it quickly accelerates to 40 knots, the limit for this particular test.




 
The NZ – CAA has strict test pilot criteria that involve CAA approvals and the test pilot being a graduate from a known test pilot school, usually US Military. Combine this with requiring seaplane ratings and experience, and Vickers being based in New Zealand, our window of available test pilots is small, and we are very selective.

We are now scheduled to recommence test flights in September once the weather settles. This will offer the opportunity to conduct some air-to-air videos and photography which has eluded us to date.

Below: An aggressive deceleration turn - used for short landings.









Adding production detailing.

ANNOUNCEMENT

With the exciting announcement recently from Rotax, the WAVE will also be available with the Rotax916is – 161hp engine. We are scheduled to begin test-flying the WAVE later this year with this incredible new engine.


Rotax 916 is

We will not be attending Oshkosh this year as we have a particular path to market that we will begin to unveil in 2024. We have watched and learned from other aircraft (and automotive) manufacturers over the past 10 years and clearly see the mistakes, and promises, that were made and missed. We will be applying the same thought process and discipline to our pending rollout as we have done to the entire project to date. There is no point in having an aircraft without a manufacturing company to support it, so we did both in parallel. Likewise, there is no point embarking on expensive marketing and airshow displays until we have a product to deliver and demonstrate.
 
We are releasing a few early delivery positions at each milestone so we can confidently begin to scale and ramp year one and two production with confidence, and we can secure engines, carbon fiber and avionics. If this appeals to you, please email and discuss – info@vickersaircraft.com

We continue to seek like-minded aviators who share our vision and appreciate our approach to bringing the WAVE to market. We have so far spent a minute amount compared to similar companies, so if you are interested in investment opportunities, Vickers Aircraft is looking for people who want to shape the future of sport aviation.  The Wave offers a unique combination of innovative features, performance, and safety.

We are 13 years into the development of the Wave, our manufacturing facilities are complete, and initial deliveries are scheduled.

Our business model is achievable, sensible and sustainable.  We are offering equity at a rate that should provide an attractive return and allow you to be a part of the team that brings this remarkable aircraft to market.
 
If you would like to learn more, please express your interest using this link INVESTORS. I will personally discuss this opportunity with interested investors. 

Vickers continues to look for suitable design engineers and production staff. Please apply at HR@vickersaircraft.com

We encourage you to share our updates and help the WAVE reach a wider audience.

Thank you for continuing to support Vickers Aircraft.

Paul Vickers - CEO.

We spent the best part of two weeks water testing in the beautiful Waikato, here in New Zealand. 

"I have been waiting longer than a decade to see the WAVE in her natural environment, and she did not disappoint. Not only does she look amazing, but the water handling was also impressive" Paul Vickers.

This series of water testing was to check slow-speed maneuverability and buoyancy in preparation for high-speed taxiing and the first flight off the water.

Please see some amazing water testing footage below, click the YouTube link:










As interest and excitement continually build for the WAVE in anticipation of its 2023 release, we wanted to mark this incredible milestone and are offering two early delivery positions, this offer comes with some incredible benefits. If interested please email info@vickersaircraft.com

We are currently hiring Design Engineers and Composite Technicians. Please email hr@vickersaircraft.com 

Just a quick update this time as we are preparing for more test flights.

Thank you for continuing to support Vickers Aircraft.

FLIGHT
We have now been test flying the WAVE regularly over the past few months. Our test pilot, from 5Rings Australia, describes the WAVE as a “lovely aircraft to fly, very manoeuvrable”.

Our initial flights were focused on engine cooling, and we are now expanding our CG range and handling qualities. Various wingtip designs have also been tested and we are narrowing down the final selection.

We are battling the winter weather here in New Zealand, and this caused us to delay our air-to-air photo opportunity until the next test flight cycle in a few weeks, so no high-quality flight photos in this update, only one quick picture from the chase plane.

Soon we will be water testing, having established runway and flight characteristics. We have waited a long time to see the WAVE on the water and we will be eagerly sharing videos and photos of this, one of our most monumental events, shortly.

                        

FOCUS
Focus is now on production; tooling and molds are ready for the first production components. Our philosophy from day one was to design for manufacture, this hard road is now paying dividends as we move into full production, at pace, in our purpose-built factory.

We are aggressively hiring design and production staff. With global borders once again open we are looking for passionate people to grow our team as we gather momentum towards the long-awaited first deliveries in 2023. If interested, please email hr@vickersaircraft.com

        

        

GROWTH
Vickers has continually expanded our team to include industry experts that head our design, structures, production, and compliance teams. This senior leadership is now implementing the production strategy that has been developed over the past 12 months in anticipation of a successful flight-testing program. Our planning department has also been working diligently to secure the required materials and items such as engines, to streamline our production ramp.

The investment to date has been spent on infrastructure, facilities, design, molds, and tooling, and manufacturing compliance, we are now bringing this all together. We have a fully functioning aircraft company and we are putting this in motion.

We are currently raising investment. We are looking for passionate aviators who see sense and are not enticed by false narratives. Vickers is reality-based and intends to maintain our composure and integrity.
 
We have managed to spend a fraction of what other similar companies have squandered, and the investment we seek is a lot less than what you might expect. As an example, over our 12 years of development, we have spent in total only one month’s burn rate of a well-publicized company that shares this space.

You cannot un-spend money, so careful planning, realistic targets and actual market requirements all need to be carefully considered as we move towards our 2023 unveiling and deliveries.

As an example, if we had created a customer support team before we actually had a deliverable product, this incurs a large cost, this cost is then absorbed into the price of the aircraft, which in turn the customer pays for. This also applies to air shows, advertising, and large facilities prior to the requirement. 

This includes not attending Oshkosh this year. Our view is to remain focused on our goals, one of which is to display at Oshkosh, for the first time, with a customer-delivered production aircraft.

A very careful and thought-out approach has been in place for a decade to ensure we make it to market with an aircraft that is affordable. These decisions were our building blocks, this can’t be done retrospectively after funds have already been wasted.


   





NEXT
We will now begin work on our USA footprint, including sales and service centers as well as flight training. We plan to have all this in place prior to the first customer deliveries.
 
Now that we are flying and have a clear path for production and delivery timelines, we will be implementing our Go To Market (GTM) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) teams to ensure that the customer experience is as incredible as the WAVE itself, while reflecting the values of Vickers and our focus on quality and safety.

Having a decade of both achievements and mistakes and having learned from both, we are in a position to openly discuss our delivery timeline moving forward, having already experienced many of the growth and development pains associated with an undertaking of this magnitude.




HELP
So, I personally ask for your help. Please consider this investment opportunity, and share it with people in your circle and show them an incredible opportunity they might otherwise miss, aviation is booming! I ask for your help as we have always kept a low profile and haven’t played any smoke and mirror games. While this has helped attract serious interest, we haven’t had the exposure the WAVE now deserves so please share as far and wide as you can, thank you. Please email me directly if interested info@vickersaircraft.com

We are comfortable that we can produce the WAVE as advertised and meet all our intended design specifications and deliver something truly special. We believe the WAVE will become a true lifestyle aircraft allowing both water adventures and cross-country journeys with its range and performance, a true Grand Touring (GT) aircraft.

We are confident that the WAVE will be competitively priced and offer incredible value for money.

The design team have been removing weight, complexity, and cost from the production aircraft to allow a lower price point for the WAVE.

As previously mentioned, the Vickers WAVE has been designed for manufacturability and the company itself has been built on realistic goals and timelines that will allow for a sustainable company moving forward.

Thank you for continuing to support Vickers Aircraft.

Paul Vickers - CEO.

We had our successful first flight on March 12 2022.

I have been speaking of this moment for the past 11 years, I am thinking it is now time the WAVE spoke for itself.

Please click on the YouTube logo (link) below and enjoy this moment with us, we are incredibly proud to be able to share this absolutely monumental occasion with everyone.








2022 is the year we flew.

The Vickers Team thank you for all the continued support.

Paul Vickers.

We ended 2021 on a high with our first engine start; a huge milestone and one we are particularly pleased with. Great to see life in the WAVE after many years of effort and dedication.

The Rotax 915is didn't disappoint, it started straight away and sounded amazing. The RS Flight Systems Single Lever control operated perfectly out of the box and provided an abundance of engine data, working seamlessly with the MT Constant Speed Propeller. Thank you to Rotax, Bert Flood Imports (Rotax), CFS Aero (Rotax), RS Flight Systems, and MT Propellers for their years of support for the WAVE.

Please click on the YouTube link below to view the footage.



 Some of the Vickers team debriefing after the successful first engine start.



Part of the process is an array of structural testing. Below you will see our Whiffle Tree assembled. We opted for a complete structure test using this technique rather than sandbags which only test the wing itself. By taking extra time to design and manufacture the Whiffle Tree we were able to test the wing structure and corresponding fuselage attachment points.



The same Whiffle Tree was also designed to allow our Horizontal Tail and Empennage testing to be performed. We were pleased with the results which were as expected.



Another area where large amounts of resources were allocated was in developing our own pitch trim actuator that will allow for a fully trimmable horizontal tailplane. Trimming the entire tailplane will allow for a more aerodynamic and cheaper to operate aircraft, resulting in a better pilot experience. Many months were invested in development, design, manufacturing and testing on this actuator alone.



As we now enter the 12th year of development and with first flight pending, I think the below quote effectively sums up the journey so far:

                                 

"Mistakes are an important part of growth and development, without them you do not learn, get better and advance. Believe me, I have made plenty" Paul Vickers - CEO.

Stand by for our next update, this will be the big one we have all been waiting for.

With each major milestone we will be releasing delivery positions. Please email sales@vickersaircraft.com to enquire.

Now that first flight is imminent we are also looking to speak with potential investors. Please email info@vickersaircraft.com to enquire.

Happy 2022.

To celebrate OSHKOSH week from New Zealand and our pending first flight, we are opening up two early delivery positions. Interest in the WAVE is extremely high, these positions come with some exciting benefits. If interested please email info@vickersaircraft.com

We were hoping to have been flying earlier in the year however, we have always been driven by safety and quality, not dates, we will always take the time that is required.

Our updates will become more frequent as we begin our testing program:

Production Facility

As planned, the second stage of expansion at Hamilton Airport (NZHN/HLZ) in Hamilton, New Zealand is complete; this includes an additional 11,000 square feet. The new area will initially be used as a warehouse for completed items and aircraft assembly stations. The expansion also includes additional office space for purchasing and production control. 

Paint Booth

Our first paint booth has been installed at the factory. The Verta paint booth is a downdraft model and uses gas heating to cure painted components. It features great lighting, filtration, and an air actuated ramp for rolling larger items in and out of the booth. This booth enables us to complete total in-house manufacture.

Production

Carbon fiber production ply kits and core shapes have been finalized for most major components - this is after many test panels and parts have been made to optimize surface finish (improved paint quality, less bodywork/weight), and avoid common defects that can occur in composites such as ply bridging and dry fiber in sharp corners. Production ply kits enable the first aircraft to be manufactured as a production aircraft and this allows for a smooth transition from development to a manufacturing environment resulting in less cost, less time and sooner deliveries without any delays. With major molds complete, work now shifts to bonding fixtures and assembly jigs. 



Vickers has recently completed validation of tooling and parts via laser scanning. This accurately checks that the manufactured part has been made in accordance with the original digital design; an important quality check. The accuracy and consistency of piece-parts ensures a proper fit and function upon assembly each and every time.

Be sure to check out our photo gallery for additional production progress.

Certification / Compliance

Certification and Compliance preparations are well underway; getting all the required systems, processes and procedures in place can be as much work as building the aircraft. “We are developing both a product and a company simultaneously, both are important and key to future success, one is no good without the other” said Paul Vickers. Vickers Aircraft is already heavily involved with CAA, FAA and ASTM to ensure a fast transition from testing to compliance and to deliveries.

                 

EAA Oshkosh 2017

We were very excited to make the journey from New Zealand to Wisconsin this year and present the first public forum for Vickers Aircraft.  The forum was open to the public and gave time for Paul to speak of the history, current state, and future of the Wave™. 


            

We were able to show some great video footage of the production processes as well during the presentation. The production video is available below.

Vickers Aircraft will continue to provide updates as we quickly move closer to flying and deliveries. A great deal of interest grows and the momentum keeps building as people discover the great benefits of the Wave™.

We are also now on LinkedIn and will also post our updates there. Feel free to follow us there as we make progress updates.

For now, we will continue to manufacture and keep with our low key approach, with more doing and less talking.

- Click on link below.

As we move closer to production of the Vickers Wave, our concepts are becoming reality.  In this update we are sharing how some of our innovations add function and safety to the aircraft.  

Landing Gear

The Wave has a fixed landing gear system, named Cross-Over™.  This landing gear system reduces the risk of accidents when landing on land with gear up, and landing on water with gear down.  Gear down water landings have been responsible for many accidents and deaths over the years.  With the Wave’s landing gear and suspension system design, the gear stays fixed for both types of landings.  The pilot does not have to remember to change gear position depending on landing surface-this substantially increases safety as there is no pilot interaction required, so it can’t be done improperly.   

Egress Doors

The Wave’s sliding side doors provide an extra measure of ability to egress in inverted situations (land or water), or can also be pushed out for emergency egress.  Additionally, an integrated roll cage provides further protection to the occupants. 

Bow Thruster

Seaplanes are unable to fully stop on water while under engine power; they are constantly in motion.  The Wave has a retractable electric bow thruster for greatly improved water maneuvering, without requiring the engine/propeller to be running.  Maneuverability is greatly improved with this design, as it has 360° of operation range.  Safety is enhanced by better maneuverability during launch, recovery, beaching, docking, mooring, and slow speed maneuvering.  
Seaplanes also tend to draw spectators during operations at marinas or beaches.  The bow thruster allows the pilot to safety maneuver the aircraft away from bystanders before engine start, protecting the general public who might not be familiar with the dangers of spinning propellers, or propeller blast. 

Launch & Recovery Lifting Point Provisions

The Wave has incorporated a launch and recovery lifting point integral to the aircraft.  These systems are commonly called a lift point or davit.  An integrated lift point enhances the ease and safety of launch and recovery options both on the shore, and by larger marine vessels.

Higher Performance Powerplant

The Wave uses the "Continental Titan", a higher horsepower engine than typical LSAs.  While the final details of the induction system are being developed, we anticipate 180+ hp.  A higher horsepower engine for a seaplane provides important benefits including:

• Less time to become airborne.  Staying on the water for shorter duration reduces hazards with other watercraft that may be operating in the area.
• Better climb rates to deal with terrain near water.  Many lakes and reservoirs have rising terrain along the shoreline.  The Wave’s engine provides a superior climb rate to help overcome controlled flight into terrain. 
• Additionally, more power provides increased ability to recover from a high sink rate or wind shear.

In addition to these new technologies, the Wave has also integrated commonly used safety enhancements such as:

• BRS - Airframe Emergency Parachute - peace of mind
• Angle of Attack System - increased stall awareness and loss of control prevention
• Inflatable Airbag Restraints – additional occupant protection 

General Update

We Have recently completed the build of our thermal forming press for foam core.  Cores are used in composite to increase the stiffness of structures.  This heated press allows us to form the core properly to take the shape of the part being made, without cutting or stressing the core. 

Bonding fixtures are currently being designed to facilitate aircraft bonding and assembly.  These fixtures properly locate individual parts in relationship to each other, or other mating features on the aircraft.  Proper fixture design reduces errors - you can’t put a part in the wrong place; and consistency - each part is exactly the shape it is designed to be.             

Every decision we make at Vickers Aircraft, from company organization to detailed aircraft design, supports our key objectives of quality and safety.  A healthy and motivated team, a reliable supply chain, an efficient design and rigid testing standards all lead to an exceptional aircraft.  Vickers’ customers will enjoy enhanced safety and functionality.  Our approach has never been conventional.  We are not followers.  We are innovators and leaders setting new standards for our category.
 
“I want to build an aircraft I would love to fly, and plan to fly with my family by my side, so every decision I make is with them in mind.” Paul Vickers - CEO

Vickers Aircraft will continue to provide updates as we quickly move closer to first flight, certification, and deliveries.  We will continue forward with our low key approach - more doing and less talking.

Follow us on LinkedIn-We will post our progress updates there.

- Click on link below.

I thought a different update this time was relevant. As we continue to work on our production, more photos of molds and production parts seem to be in repetition of our previous updates and I decided to offer a deeper insight into Vickers Aircraft.

Bringing a new aircraft to market is incredibly difficult, being amphibian makes this even harder and using composites to do so tests even the strongest resolve!

As we have always expressed, we are doing things very differently here at Vickers. We look and learn from the industry’s successes and more importantly its failures; we then examine these closely and apply them to our company.

Things like expanding too fast, coming to market before you are ready, over promising and under delivering. These are repeated throughout aviation and industry in general and are often seen in the light sport amphibian sector.

The Vickers approach is to de-risk. By designing and building for manufacture and production, we can take years out of the aircraft development phase. With no flying prototype, it may seem like little progress is being made however we are in fact making great strides towards production.

To simply have a flying prototype that superficially resembles the final article is relatively straight forward when compared to the hurdle of efficiently transitioning into a production environment. This is why many struggle to effectively manufacture at the end of the design phase.

There are many critical elements that have to come together to bring a new aircraft to market. A fantastic team is required which takes years to develop. Not only does it involve choosing and training the right people, it also means that people leave, often for the team’s betterment.

Having a flying prototype is only 15% of the battle. Design, analysis, testing of everything from aircraft systems to adhesives and processes, production facility development as well as management and resource planning all need to be available and work in harmony to allow the product to evolve.

None of this comes easily, quickly or cheaply. It requires dedication, foresight and funding with a deep passion and belief that truly tests all involved. Vickers Aircraft Company is a close and unique team that defines the spirit of aviation.

Bringing the Wave to market will take as long as is needed so that when we do it, it will be right. We are not the first, but you can rest assured we will be the best. If we are not ready, the release will be delayed without hesitation.

This journey is far more difficult than we could have imagined, but the result will be far more rewarding.

I believe that the time it is taking to develop the Wave has allowed the design to evolve and develop in unison. The result of this will be a revolutionary aircraft that will help move aviation forward.

We continue to seek compatible investors. If you are a qualified investor and our project is of interest, please see the link on our website or click here.

We thank you all for your ongoing support.

We have some exciting news to close out 2018 at Vickers. The photos below show the first full scale assembly by the team over the last few months. While it won’t take to the skies just yet, it has been an invaluable test of our manufacturing and assembly processes using production components.

It is great to see the design come to life; in the new year this will continue with the addition of an interior and cockpit. In the background, we are continuing to work through everything from materials testing to detailed system design.






As we reflect on 2018, we also reflect on the nine years of development that have gone into the Wave™. This year has seen the team grow and take us closer than ever to first flight and subsequent production. As the finish line continues to inch ever closer, we are unwavering in our commitment to delivering aircraft that help set a new benchmark for general aviation. 

Christmas is a special time of year for everyone. Summer has arrived in New Zealand, and we are all looking forward to spending some time with our families and friends to recharge our batteries for what promises to be an exciting new year.

From us and ours to you and yours, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. Stay tuned for further updates in 2019 – it is shaping up to be a big year for the Vickers Aircraft Company.

After many months we can finally announce that Vickers Aircraft has received our FAA weight exemption for the Wave™ LSA. This will allow a MTOW of 1850lbs, so we can incorporate additional safety features, that will set the Wave apart and help us achieve our long-term goal of moving aviation forward. Some of these safety features include, water manoeuvring thruster, CrossOver Landing gear, increased horsepower and the required fuel capacity to ensure the Wave™ is operated safely and can perform its mission.

We have designed the Wave™ for this increased MTOW and have incorporated the required additional structure. This sets up the Wave™ to transition into the LSA rule changes that are on the horizon, that will include adjustments to the LSA weight rule.

We are very excited by this announcement as we move close to flying the Wave™.

The aviation industry is known for its high barriers to entry. While everyone sees the final product (the aircraft) out there flying, what they don’t see are the years of work that go into the company structure behind it. A structure that requires Vickers to not only meet business regulations but also health and safety, environmental, design, flight and manufacturing criteria as well as aviation authority regulations prior to the first aircraft even operating.

With this in mind, the last 12 months has seen Vickers not only progress the aircraft design but also move into an employment phase to bring in the necessary people to meet all of our regulatory requirements. This has seen the doubling of the Engineering (Design) Team numbers and the employment of a Quality and Systems Manager.

The increased staffing levels allowed Engineering to move into the stress testing phase of the design programme; a phase that effectively proves the strength of the design. This phase includes physical coupon testing to demonstrate Vickers can manufacture the parts to the design strengths and to verify our structural analysis. This phase has to be complete before the flight test aircraft is manufactured to ensure it operates as expected.

This period has also seen the finishing touches being put into the manuals and processes that ensures Vickers meets all of its regulatory requirements but in typical Vickers fashion, we are using technology to do it smarter and quicker. Vickers shall have a paperless work environment from the Engineering Office to the Manufacturing Facility to the Fleet Support Office. Ensuring that all data is generated and stored electronically cuts down on development time, physical storage space while providing improved levels of control of the build of individual parts and aircraft. The use of portable electronic devices such as phones and tablets, allow staff to directly monitor, using IoT, the manufacturing equipment such as ovens and freezers. This also enables the approval of work and the ordering of parts and materials electronically.

The benefits to the customer are that our Fleet Support Officer can quickly retrieve this data both onsite and offsite, immediately understanding the configuration of any aircraft we have built. This provides accurate and fast response times to customers anywhere in the world. There will be no more needing to wait until the office opens in the morning.

This period has also seen increased discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) and the Federal Aviation Authority of the USA (FAA), ensuring a common understanding between all three parties of the path to market that the Wave™ shall take. These conversations allow all parties to plan in advance and to remove any surprises that can arise along the way. Vickers’ work with these two authorities accumulated in Vickers being invited to present on the LSA industry at the recent 21st FAA Asia-Pacific Bilateral Partners Conference.

The upcoming period will not only see the continued development of the Wave™, but behind the scenes will see work completed on the issuing of our CAA Manufacturing Certificate. We will also obtain CAA approval of our Flight Test Programme and continue to build the business structure behind the Wave™, to ensure we hit the ground running.

The challenge of meeting these aviation entry barriers and the challenge of building an exciting new amphibious aircraft, are challenges that we happily accept because after all, “if it was easy, everyone would be doing it”.

Finally, Vickers have some new Strategic Partners to announce so watch for our next update later in 2019, you will not want to miss it!

2019 has been another very productive year for Vickers Aircraft. As described in earlier updates, we have continued to progress the engineering phase of the aircraft’s development while building a world class team and achieving our pivotal FAA weight exemption.

As the year draws to a close, we are pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Rotax Aircraft Engines. Rotax engines have become the first choice for more than 220 aircraft manufacturers worldwide; they are the premier aircraft engine manufacturer across the light sport industry.

Rotax’s latest offering, the 915is is the culmination of 40 years of aircraft engine development. Offering 141 hp from a compact, modern, fuel efficient engine, the Rotax 915is is the perfect match for the Wave. The turbocharged powerplant gives the Wave all 141 hp right up to 15000ft with no performance loss, as is experienced by naturally aspirated engines. We are very pleased to welcome the reliable, total package that is the Rotax 915is to the Vickers journey.

The compact size of the Rotax powerplant has allowed us to modify the design of the rear fuselage/engine cowling area. This has significantly improved airflow over the propeller, further enhancing the performance of the WaveTM. A few images of the re-design are shown below. We cannot wait to share more with you, stay tuned in early 2020 for more announcements on further strategic partners as we quickly approach first flight.





2020 is shaping up to be a big year for the Vickers Aircraft Company and we look forward to sharing it with you.

2020 is quickly turning into a very memorable year at Vickers Aircraft for numerous reasons.

Along with much of the world, New Zealand is feeling the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic with a state of emergency declared. With this four week lockdown all non-essential companies are required to close or work from home

This will also be the year we fly our much-anticipated WAVE.

Design and its accompanying release documents and part traceability often takes longer than the production of aircraft components and assemblies. While our technicians and workshop staff are safe at home with their families, our designers are using this time and working from their homes to finalise the remaining aspects of the design, prepare work and plan the actions required once we are able to get all staff safely back to work. On a positive note, the Rotax 915is arrived onsite shortly before the lockdown was announced and the Vickers team were hard at work configuring it for installation in the aircraft.

The New Zealand Government has been very proactive in the global fight against Covid-19. By shutting borders and keeping everyone in their homes, New Zealand will not only be free from this virus in a matter of weeks, but the economy will see a much less damaging impact due to a short period of lockdown. In addition, wide-ranging business support has also been rolled out, softening the impact of the lockdown and allowing New Zealand to move forward with minimal long-term disruption.
 
Having worked very hard to maintain a sustainable company during normal market conditions, this stability will help Vickers through this period. Keeping expenditure low, not expanding too soon or incurring any unnecessary cost, will now prove vital as we move into a global economic reset and position Vickers to be ready with aircraft deliveries as the world recovers.
 
Not currently being reliant on sales and having investors with long term vision makes Vickers a stable and strong company in this environment.
 
This is our 11^th year working on the WAVE. I am often asked why is it taking so long? The answer, you don’t want an aircraft to be rushed. It has to be right first time, no shortcuts, no compromises and always safety first. Not once have I compromised on any of Vickers' core values, nor will I. The WAVE will be ready soon, but not before it is. It has taken the time that has been necessary to design and produce a truly incredible aircraft.
 
Fantastic teams, like the one at Vickers, don’t happen overnight and don’t grow on trees. This has also taken many years of development and training. Vickers is looking to expand our team in the near future as we begin to scale for our next phase.
  
To all our family, friends and followers around the world – stay safe in these difficult and unprecedented times. We are all in this together and look forward to coming out the other side ready to bring some positive news to the world in the form of a flying WAVE. 
 
Paul Vickers - CEO.

Welcome to the first update for 2016.

The close of 2015 was a chance for us to reflect on what a fruitful year it had been for us here at Vickers.

We secured USA investors, who with their incredible support helped to shape 2015 into a year of progress and success. Our customers continue to give us the confidence and determination to reach beyond our limits to bring our incredible product to the aviation market. And our endless supporters who with their encouragement, help us to strive for excellence.

The above image shows three upper fuselage carbon fiber production components, some of which are for first customer aircraft deliveries.

At the end of last year we were featured in P1, the leading online business aviation magazine, highlighting the features of the Wave and what it can offer to the aviation market. Download the P1 magazine app for free for the article in issue P1050.

Apple

Google

"From the beginning our plan was to build a production aircraft using realistic techniques and real world solutions, and I am pleased to say that is exactly what we are achieving. The LSA sector is screaming out for an amphibian that is real and delivers on its promises, the Wave will be the first to do so, you have my personal guarantee" Paul Vickers CEO.

2015 also saw our first carbon fiber curing oven operational, and we are well underway with producing the pre-preg carbon fiber parts for the first production cycle. This oven is capable of producing components for 30+ aircraft per year. Custom developed PLC software enables detailed control of heating cycles and offers the full traceability that is required to manufacture aircraft. All components for the Wave, both aluminium and carbon fiber, are made in house by our dedicated team. In the below image the windscreen mold has just been cured and is now ready for the first batch of screens to be made.

Having created and proven our in-house CNC Carbon Fiber cutting system we are now in full swing making components for our first production aircraft as well as components for first customer deliveries. We have increased our staff to provide the necessary technical expertise to enhance this process, and for final assembly. See here for cutting process video.

As we enter into the next stage of growth for Vickers Aircraft we have begun looking for a suitable location to base Vickers Aircraft USA, our sales, training and delivery facility in the United States. We are exploring sites on the East and West coasts.

Be sure to check out our photo gallery for new images of what we have been up to this year already.

Please feel free to email any inquiries to sales@vickersaircraft.com.

2016 is already shaping up to be an incredible year, the year we bring the Wave to market.

Great strides have been made in the past months here at Vickers, we may have appeared quiet but we have been very busy preparing for 2017, which will prove to be an incredible year.

TenCate have joined us as a strategic partner to supply the carbon fiber materials for the Wave. "TenCate Advanced Composites is pleased to support Vickers Aircraft with Carbon Fiber Epoxy Prepreg and ancillary composite materials for the development and production of their light sport aircraft. We look forward to their successful introduction of this unique aircraft platform, The Wave." David Clarke, CEO TenCate Advanced Composites USA. Working with their superior products will enable us to produce an aircraft which will be of the highest quality, and so further securing our key focus of safety."TenCate are leaders in the aerospace composite industry and having them work with us to bring our aircraft to market, will help make the Wave exceptional." Paul Vickers CEO.

We have also secured additional funding from the USA, which will allow us to expand our present operations.  New machinery for carbon fiber part production and larger premises will streamline our processes.  Additional staff have been engaged to fill key roles to ensure smooth production and timely deliveries. "I traveled to various US States in May to personally meet with potential investors and found the ideal partner in Florida. They bring not only a vast wealth of aviation knowledge but incredible USA business experience which will ensure a strong and responsible Vickers brand in the USA."

We have been working hard to produce conforming production components and we are very close to beginning structural testing on production sub-assemblies such as the wing carry thru and rear empinage.
 
Below is a recently infused carbon fiber mold insert just prior to trimming and finishing

Changes have been made to our website and it now suits all visual formats, including mobile and tablets.

Vickers will be providing steady updates every quarter as we quickly move closer to flying and deliveries.

We have now commissioned a critical part of our production process, our ZUND carbon fiber cutting center. The ZUND cutting center can cut carbon fiber at an astonishing 3 feet per second, ink mark part numbers and bar codes to integrate individual pieces of carbon fiber into our inventory system to ensure full traceability and correct placement during laminating. The Zund has the capacity to produce in excess of 100 aircraft per year. "We looked globally at other industry leaders and concluded that the ZUND was a stand out within composite manufacturing companies" Darryn Todd, VP Composites. 

Along with the additional funding that was secured we have also appointed the USA Distributor for the Wave. "We are very pleased to have such strong support from the USA, and we are excited to have appointed the USA distributor. Florida is the ideal location for Vickers Aircraft USA." Paul Vickers CEO.

New Vickers facility with Stage Two (right) currently under construction.

Vickers Aircraft has moved to its new location at the north end of the Hamilton Airport (NZHN/HLZ) in Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand.  This first stage of expansion increases the production area capacity to 11,000 square feet.  Temperature and humidity controlled clean rooms, trim rooms, bonding rooms, and ovens have been installed for carbon fiber cutting, kitting, layup and curing.  The second stage (of four) includes the midyear completion of additional space that will bring the total manufacturing area to just under 20,000 square feet.  CEO and Founder Paul Vickers states, “We are committed to the detailed manufacturing of the Wave, all the way down to the piece-part level.  This expanded manufacturing space allows us to fully utilize the existing equipment, and provides the needed space for the specialized equipment not yet on site, such as our paint booth, which is being installed over the coming months”.

Production 

We have now completed the major molds required for full production, these include the Upper and Lower Wing Skin molds.  We are now shifting our focus onto production components and certification documentation, including the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to manage production, traceability and quality systems. 


Upper Wing Skin Mold after vacuum integrity testing.


Exterior Carbon Fiber Ply being laminated on Door Number 3.


Adhesive Film and Foam Core added to door skin. 

Vickers is Growing

Vickers Aircraft has also added essential staff for composite layup and fabrication, aircraft assembly and certification.  We are also happy to announce that Steve Hamblin has recently joined Vickers Aircraft in a key leadership role.  Steve and his family have relocated from the USA to live in New Zealand to help bring the Wave to market.  Steve brings with him a vast range of engineering, manufacturing, and aircraft certification experience including time at Columbia Aircraft (now Cessna), Cub Crafters, GE Aviation, and most recently ICON Aircraft.  Steve is also Vice-Chairman of the ASTM F37 committee for Light Sport Aircraft.  “I’m very excited to join the team here at Vickers Aircraft.  The Wave™ is a great product, and has some innovative features that will really differentiate it in the market.  It’s a refreshing change to get back to manufacturing an entire product under one roof.  My family and I are enjoying the beautiful country of New Zealand, and the adventurous and industrious Kiwi culture”.  

Latest Media

ByDanJohnson.com and Light Sport and Ultralight Flyer produced a recent interview with Paul Vickers, and the Wave; we encourage you to take a few minutes and enjoy the informative video, click on link below.

EAA Oshkosh 2017

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 24-30 July 2017- Vickers Aircraft has made the decision to not have a display booth this year, however we will be there for a Meet and Greet and Question and Answer session.  Stay tuned for more details.  The reason in short – we’re committed to stay focused on continued progress in getting the Wave™ ready for you!  No hype, no flash, just simple execution - Oshkosh is fun, but it takes weeks/months of preparation, using precious time and resources for such a show.  The more expense that is incurred during this important design and ramp to production stage will be reflected in the actual cost of the aircraft.  We are determined to keep this to a minimum and spend investment appropriately, the direct result being a cost effective aircraft and a sustainable company.  We’ll keep our heads down and focus on results for now…

Vickers Aircraft will continue to provide updates as we quickly move closer to flying and deliveries.  A great deal of interest grows and the momentum keeps building as people discover the great benefits of the Wave.  We are also now on LinkedIn! Feel free to follow us there as we make updates on our progress - Click on link below.

EAA AirVenture/Oshkosh 2017 - Vickers Aircraft has just received confirmation from EAA on the time slot for our forum/meet & greet at AirVenture 2017 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Vickers Aircraft will be at Forum Stage 2 at the Forums Plaza (Knapp St.) from 1:00-2:15 pm on Tuesday, July 25th.  A grounds map can be found at: https://www.eaa.org/en/airventure/plan-your-eaa-airventure-trip/maps

Although the aircraft will not be present, we will be giving a short presentation about Vickers Aircraft and the Wave™, and a time to meet with a few of our key people, including Founder and CEO, Paul Vickers.

We hope to see you there! 

It has been brought to our attention by an AVWeb blog that Vickers Aircraft were sponsoring a press lunch at EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2016 Airshow.

Vickers is not attending Oshkosh this year, and were unaware of any press conferences being held.

We wish to clarify that this was an error made by EAA.

Paul Vickers

CEO.

The picture below shows the plug after it has come off the machine and has been prepped for the next phase.

With the OSHKOSH Air Show wrapped up for another year, here at Vickers we have been focussing on safety.

BRS Aerospace leads the world in ballistic recovery systems and is putting their outstanding product in the Wave™. Having sold over 25,000 of its parachute systems and saved over 320 lives, it is easy to see why we choose BRS and why they have received numerous awards and defence contracts. This product sits perfectly with our core philosophy of innovation.

"The truly innovative and well thought out design of the amphibious Wave™ aircraft, when coupled with BRS' long standing leadership role in aircraft recovery parachutes, creates an aircraft that may well set a new standard in performance, fun, and of course, safety. BRS is honored to have been selected by Vickers for integration into this new aircraft design." Boris Popov – Founder and Senior VP of Sales at BRS Aerospace.

Our engineering team is working closely with BRS to ensure you have the very best in safety that enhances an already incredible Wave™, while giving you the ultimate peace of mind for you and your family, and with this in mind we have made the BRS chute standard equipment.

On a final note, thank you to our loyal following from across the world. We appreciate the phenomenal support shown for the Wave™ and look forward to unveiling it soon.

Vickers is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with Continental Motors, and the Titan IO340-CC Engine as the power plant to be used in the Wave™.

CEO, Paul Vickers discusses the rationale behind the choice.

“The Titan is a very modern engine when compared to the competing 4 cylinder products in that power range and has a stellar track record regarding reliability. Now that it’s backed by Continental Motors, we benefit from the financial stability of the leader of the aviation engine manufacturers and, simultaneously, from the expertise of a team that has developed, over the years, lighter, more powerful and reliable engines while integrating the latest technology."

"We looked at all the solutions available, evaluated engine manufacturers and had in depth discussions with them. Many US and European based vendors were trying to convince us that their “off the shelf” product was suitable for the Wave™. But we wanted a modern engine for our modern aircraft, not an engine that has gone unchanged since 1960. We quickly found out that Titan, under their new ownership by Continental Motors, were able to deliver on all the subjects that really matter to us. The Engineering team listened to our needs and came back with answers that exceeded our expectations. Therefore, the choice was an easy one!”

He adds, “The weight characteristics of the Titan IO-340CC was another factor that drove our decision. The weight savings on this engine are enough to allow us to comply with the LSA ASTM standards without compromising reliability or safety. The use of Magnesium alloys in certain parts makes the weight savings even more dramatic. The engine while being lighter, has not lost its durability or reliability as others have by going beyond what is practical. It has the perfect balance. Finally, the whole Continental Motors team sees the potential and shares the vision for our aircraft and is backing us 100%, and for this I am very appreciative”.

View official Press Release here.

With our engine now locked down, there have also been some significant milestones reached and we look forward to sharing these with you in the very near future.

Check out our new production photos in the gallery, the pace is now quickening!

2014 has been a "huge" year for Vickers Aircraft. Production of the molds, jigs and fixtures have reached a fever pitch with many of the major carbon fibre molds now complete. The Sponsons , Hull and Nose sections have now been lifted from the molds and have exceeded expectations.

(Check out the Gallery section for just a few of the parts)

The "Wave's™" incredible windscreen mold is now finished, with the first screen due to be produced 18th October. This is very exciting as it is one of the key features that will make the aircraft stand out, and provide an incredible field of view for the pilot.

Testing of the Ballistic chute is now imminent with the production of the upper fuselage and main spar nearing completion. We are working very closely with the team at BRS to ensure that this is completed very soon so that the rest of the aircraft can be "put through its paces".

The "Wave's™" unique landing gear is also on track for completion in October with rolling trials scheduled for early November.

Finally, a huge "Thank you" to all the loyal followers who have continued to watch the Wave develop during the past few months.

Keep checking back with us for more details as they unfold.

Lower Sponson Carbon Fiber mold

See more pictures here

Now that the holidays are over, things are heating up at the Vickers assembly facility. 2014 was a very busy but challenging year but we are now ready to tackle the challenges of 2015. Check out the media updates section for the latest press releases. The Wave™ has continued to feature in major publication throughout 2014 and now into 2015. Check out the latest article from Plane and Pilot.

In addition, we have finalised the door mechanism and are in the process of manufacturing the first set that will go into series #001. Click on the following link to see the animation Vickers-Wave-sliding-doors..mp4

We are excited to announce that we have secured funding from USA investors. We have been extremely fortunate to have secured investors who share our passion and thirst for innovation in aviation. With their continued support and wealth of knowledge we will be able to bring a fantastic product to the market.

As we are manufacturing all components, both alloy and carbon fiber in-house, this will ensure complete accuracy both dimensionally and with regards to weight. We have opted to use prepreg carbon fiber, that is generally used on Supercars and Formula 1 racing cars, as this material allows for the desired repeatability during production.

The price will be very competitive and this is largely due to keeping the unique part count around 400, considerably less than other aircraft companies. By keeping our part count low we can manufacture a price-competitive aircraft and build a sustainable business. This coupled with the realistic amount of capital having been invested in Vickers appealed to our USA investors as it provides a stable platform moving forward.

Here at Vickers, not only are we designing and building the most innovative light aircraft in decades, we are building a sustainable company that is formed on solid relationships and realistic investments.

As we transition to the next stage of production, we will provide more regular updates on our progress.

"Stand alone styling that is both smooth and strong, incredible innovations, intuitive systems wrapped in functionality for a price that will stun. That is the Wave™." Paul Vickers

Our CNC router is working 24/7 producing parts. Metal is "flying" as we forge ahead with components for the second aircraft. See more pictures here

Second set of plugs for sponson production are well underway. Check out the video below to see the router in action.

See more pictures here

The Vickers WAVE has completed a successful week of flight testing. Our Water Testing phase is now complete.

I will let the photos and video do the talking in this update.

Please see the YouTube link below showing the WAVE accomplishing a moment 13 years in the making.

FAA MOSAIC 

Some big news in the industry. In July 2023 the FAA announced the MOSAIC NPRM. This is regarded as the single largest change in G.A. since it began.

Changes such as four-seats, allowance of commercial operations, removal of speed and weight restrictions, and the use of in-flight adjustable propellers are a few of the changes being proposed.

The WAVE was designed with these rules in mind, this will enable the WAVE to go far beyond a simple LSA!

We continue to seek like-minded aviators who share our vision and appreciate our approach to bringing the WAVE to market. We have so far spent a minute amount compared to similar companies, so if you are interested in investment opportunities, Vickers Aircraft is looking for people who want to shape the future of sport aviation.  The Wave offers a unique combination of innovative features, performance, and safety.

We are 13 years into the development of the Wave, our manufacturing facilities are complete, and initial deliveries are scheduled.

Our business model is achievable, sensible and sustainable.  We are offering equity at a rate that should provide an attractive return and allow you to be a part of the team that brings this remarkable aircraft to market.
 
If you would like to learn more, please express your interest using this link INVESTORS. I will personally discuss this opportunity with interested investors. 

Vickers continues to look for suitable design engineers and production staff. Please apply at HR@vickersaircraft.com

We encourage you to share our updates and help the WAVE reach a wider audience.

Thank you for continuing to support Vickers Aircraft.