| J.P. Krucker of Sudbury was at Sun N Fun introducing two new craft to the U.S market. He has just finished redesigning the popular Cygnet trike, (now called the Cygnet II) which has reduced it's weight by 45 lbs. while adding a front pod with a windshield. The retractable amphib float gear has also been moved up on top of the float for a more cleaner appearance. The new set up also reduces drag on take off from water. The floats are also shorter and 4 inches wider and providing more floatation, allowing the floats to get up and plane faster. JP has retained his two step float system, which he pioneered. This system unlike a conventional float has a step at the front and another step starting from where the first step ends which moves to the back. This prevents the porposing action that Trike pilot's experience when using a conventional style single step float. The new float design also cuts down on the float splash, which has allow JP to reduce the prop splash guard located at the rear of the trike. A large water rudder is located between the floats and is operated by the pilot via the nosewheel rudder pedals. The water rudder is fixed and does not need to be retracted. The beefy retract system still uses large Tundra style tires, which makes for getting in and out of soft or rocky beaches, and rough field landings. While the craft on display was powered by a Rotax 65 HP 582, JP indicates that of the last 10 Cygnets sold 7 have been equipped with Rotax 912's. With this power "two 
| | Explorer L 103, a true part 103 amphibious single place trike. | people, on a hot muggy day, with full fuel, will be getting of the water in 4 to 5 seconds, with a climb rate of 1,000 feet per minute". JP indicates that he hopes to have the Cygnet II available as a factory built light sport aircraft by August of 2008. Currently delivery of craft is 90 days from order. JP also introduced the Explorer L 103, a true part 103 amphibious single place trike. The craft with amphib floats a 42 HP MZ 201 two stroke engine, 15 meter Maverick strutted NorthWing ,2 blade Warp Drive prop, tachometer, dual cht's and egt's weighs in at 311 lbs., 3 lbs below the allowed weight for a float equipped ultralight in the U.S. JP had to build 4 complete aircraft before he could get the weight down under the legal limit of 254 lbs plus 60 lbs for floatation. JP reports the plane flies more like a "little sports car than a big trike." The Explorer L 103 comes with a 15 meter strutted NorthWing which can be folded up in about 10 minutes for transport. The retract system on the Explorer L103 uses the same style of system as the Cygnet, the pilot pulls on a cable which releases a latch, and then pulls one lever back retracting all three wheels forward, where they lock into position. Dropping the gear in the air is via gravity, release the system and the three wheels drop and lock into place. The craft is equipped with "fat tires" and hydraulic brakes. JP also had to build his own 5 gallon aluminum gas tank to help get the weight down. For more information contact: | 
