The success of his smaller Solent 400 quickly convinced him a larger version was needed. Scaled to the interior of his minivan, the result is the Solent 480, Ivan's self-confessed, all time favorite flying boat. The lightweight construction allow a flying weight of just 7 pounds, 12 ounces. The efficient Selig 7055 airfoil and NACA leading edge cuffs outboard of the nacelles all but eliminate tip stalls while loitering on patrol. Construction options include a three-piece wing and removable fin to ease transportation. If you are going to build just one of his designs, wouldn't you want it to be his favorite? (May 2006).
Plan ID: FA147
Designer: Pettigrew, Ivan
Scale: 1:14.5
Span: 99 in
Wing Area: 1200 sq in
Weight: 124 oz (with 10 2600mAh NiMH cells)
Length: 73.5 in
More information on Ivan's Solent 480 and his other designs may be found at
Ivan's Plans.
