With more than 650 aircraft sold between its introduction and 2008, the Husky was one of the best-selling light aircraft designs of the period.[1]
Design
Husky A-1B
The Husky features a braced high wing, tandem seating and dual controls. The structure is steel tube frames and
Dacron covering over all but the rear of the
fuselage, plus metal leading edges on the wings. The high wing was selected for good all-around visibility, making the Husky ideal for observation and patrol roles. Power is supplied by a relatively powerful (for the Husky's weight) 180 hp (134 kW)
Textron Lycoming O-360 flat-four
piston engine turning a
constant speed propeller. In 2015 a reversible MT Propeller was approved under a
Supplemental type certificate for better control during
floatplane water operations.[3] The Husky's high
power-to-weight ratio and low
wing loading result in good short-field performance.[2]
Options include floats, skis and banner and
glider tow hooks.[2]
Operational history
The Husky has been used for observation duties, fisheries patrol, pipeline inspection, glider towing, border patrol and other utility missions. Notable users include the
US Department of the Interior and
Agriculture and the
Kenya Wildlife Service, which flies seven on aerial patrols of
elephant herds as part of the fight against illegal ivory
poaching.[2]
Certified on 28 January 1998. Maximum gross weight is 1,890 lb (857 kg). Powered by a
Lycoming 0-360-A1P of 180 hp (134 kW)[5]
Aviat A-1C Husky
Husky A-1B
Certified on 28 January 1998. Powered by a
Lycoming 0-360-A1P of 180 hp (134 kW)[5] The A-1B can be modified to accept a
Lycoming IO-360-A1D6 engine of 200 hp (149 kW) and an MT MTV-15-B/205-58 propeller under an
STC.[6]
Husky A-1B-160 Pup
Certified on 18 August 2003 without
flaps and 21 October 2005 with flaps. Powered by a
Lycoming 0-320-D2A, 160 hp (119 kW). The Pup has a smaller engine, a gross weight of 2,000 lb (907 kg) and a useful load of 775 lb (352 kg)[4][5]
Husky A-1C-180
A Garmin equipped A-1C cockpit
Certified on 24 September 2007. Powered by a
Lycoming 0-360-A1P of 180 hp (134 kW). The 180 has a gross weight of 2,200 lb (998 kg) and a useful load of 925 lb (420 kg)[4][5]
Husky A-1C-200
Certified on 24 September 2007. Powered by a
Lycoming IO-360-A1D6 of 200 hp (149 kW). The 200 has a gross weight of 2,250 lb (1,021 kg) and a useful load of 880 lb (399 kg)[4][5]