The M7 has two variants of airworthiness category: Light Sport Category and Experimental Category. The light sport version is delivered completed ready to fly. Any modifications will require factory approval.
The experimental allows the builder to make modifications and perform maintenance. This requires considerable builder skill and about 1000 hours of work to complete.
The M7 promises to be the most efficient amphibious flying boat ever.
M7 Specifications
L 25 ft length
b 33 ft wing span
Sw 137 ft2 wing area
Sh 25 ft2 tail area
48 in cockpit width
6’3″ maximum pilot size
120 deg/sec roll rate at 100 knots
500 ft water takeoff run
500 nautical mile range
acrobatic maneuvers: loop, roll, spin, cuban eight, hammerhead
Performance with Lycoming IO360
W 2000 lbs gross weight
We 1250 lbs empty weight
750 lbs useful load
+4 G maximum positive load factor
-2 G maximum negative load factor
Vs 42 knots stall speed flaps extended
Vwto 48 knots normal water takeoff speed
Vx 70 knots best climb speed 1500 ft/min
Vfe 100 knots maximum flap extension speed
Vc 130 knots cruise speed 10 gph
Vh 150 knots maximum level speed
Vne 160 knots never exceed speed