A New Two-Seater From Lancair

Lancair has introduced a new two-seat kit called the Barracuda, which it calls an "entry-level" airplane. The Barracuda will cruise at 200 knots at 13 gallons per hour, and sells for about $200,000. The all-composite airplane is designed "for the pilot who wants maximum performance with a minimum investment of build time and budget," said Lancair President Conrad Hufstutler, and incorporates "all the best features of the Mako," which was introduced last year. "We're expecting to take a big bite of the two-seater performance market," Hufstutler said. The first Barracuda subkits will deliver no sooner than early next year, and by the third quarter all the subkits should be ready, the company said.

The new airplane will incorporate a number of new features, including a one-piece wing with greater span. "The new wing makes aircraft handling more docile and significantly reduces build time," the company said. Fully automatic retracting nosegear adds 10 to 12 knots to the cruise speed. In the cockpit, the Barracuda comes with a customizable avionics package, typically based on the Garmin G3X Touch and GTN-750 components. The company will offer a range of options, such as Freon air conditioning, full de-ice protection, a choice of engines and more.