The Lake Renegade: A Closer Look
The Lake LA-250 Renegade is a remarkable six-seat amphibious utility aircraft that has been in production in the United States by Lake Aircraft since 1982. It represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, the Lake Buccaneer, sharing the same type certificate but boasting enhanced capabilities that have made it a standout choice for pilots seeking unparalleled versatility in aviation.
Design and Development
The Renegade is essentially a stretched and more powerful version of the Buccaneer. Its design maintains the conventional mid-wing configuration with a retractable tricycle undercarriage. A distinctive feature is its single engine, mounted in a pusher configuration within a pod on a pylon above the fuselage. This unique setup contributes to its amphibious capabilities, allowing it to operate seamlessly from both land and water.
Over the years, the Renegade has spawned several notable variants. The LA-250 Seawolf, for instance, was developed for light maritime patrol duties, featuring hardpoints under each wing for carrying external stores such as bombs, rocket pods, gun pods, or rescue equipment. It also included provisions for a radar unit on the forward end of the engine pod. For those operating in challenging marine environments, the LA-270 Seafury was optimized with improved anti-corrosion measures and a hardened interior, along with a storage compartment for survival gear. The LA-270 Turbo Renegade, as its name suggests, is a turbocharged version offering increased power.
The Engineering Marvel: Design and Innovation
The Lake Renegade stands out in the world of aviation not just for its amphibious capabilities, but for the thoughtful engineering that underpins its design. Unlike many floatplanes that are essentially land-based aircraft adapted for water, the Renegade was conceived from the ground up as an amphibian. This fundamental difference is key to its exceptional performance and versatility on both land and water.
At the heart of its design is the distinctive pusher propeller configuration, mounted high above the fuselage. This placement offers several advantages: it keeps the propeller clear of water spray during takeoffs and landings, reducing wear and tear, and it also contributes to a quieter cabin by moving the engine exhaust further aft. The retractable tricycle landing gear, a standard feature, allows for seamless transitions between land and water operations, making it a truly go-anywhere aircraft.
The fuselage itself is a testament to robust construction, designed to withstand the rigors of water landings while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency in the air. The high-wing design not only provides excellent lift but also offers pilots and passengers an unobstructed view, a significant advantage for scenic flights and surveillance missions.
Variants and Their Specialized Roles
The adaptability of the Renegade platform is evident in its various iterations, each tailored for specific operational needs:
These variants demonstrate Lake Aircraft's commitment to evolving the Renegade to meet diverse operational demands, from recreational flying to specialized government and commercial applications. The core design principles of versatility, robustness, and amphibious capability remain central to every model, solidifying the Lake Renegade's reputation as a truly unique and capable aircraft.
Operational History
The Lake Renegade has a history of impressive performance that speaks to its exceptional engineering and capabilities. On August 31, 1988, a Lake Turbo Renegade/Seawolf set new world records for altitude and sustained flight at altitude for single-engine amphibians, reaching a maximum altitude of 24,600 feet and leveling off at 24,500 feet. Further records were set on November 2, 1989, with a Lake Turbo Renegade achieving an altitude of 25,500 feet, and another Lake Renegade reaching an initial altitude of 27,300 feet, sustaining 27,100 feet.
A Legacy of Performance: Operational History and Capabilities
The Lake Renegade isn't just a marvel of design; it's a proven performer with a rich operational history. Its ability to seamlessly transition between land and water operations has made it a favorite among pilots seeking unparalleled freedom and versatility. From remote lakes to bustling coastal areas, the Renegade has demonstrated its reliability and adaptability in diverse environments.
One of the most compelling aspects of the Renegade's operational history is its record-setting achievements. The flights in 1988 and 1989, where Lake Turbo Renegade aircraft set new world records for altitude and sustained flight for single-engine amphibians, are a testament to its robust engineering and impressive capabilities. Reaching altitudes of over 24,000 feet and sustaining flight at those heights showcases the aircraft's power and efficiency, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible for an amphibian.
Beyond these record-breaking feats, the Renegade has served in various capacities globally. Its utility as a bush plane, capable of accessing remote areas inaccessible to conventional aircraft, has made it invaluable for tourism, environmental monitoring, and logistical support in challenging terrains. Its amphibious nature also lends itself well to search and rescue operations, coastal patrol, and even law enforcement, where rapid deployment to water bodies is crucial.
Performance That Inspires Confidence
The performance figures of the Lake Renegade speak volumes about its capabilities. With a maximum speed of 160 mph (258 km/h) and a range of over 1,000 miles (1,600 km), it offers a compelling blend of speed and endurance for its class. The ability to cover significant distances without needing to refuel frequently enhances its utility for long-range missions or extended recreational flights.
Its service ceiling of 14,700 feet (4,480 m) allows it to clear most mountainous terrain and operate above adverse weather conditions, providing a smoother and safer flight experience. The rate of climb at 900 feet per minute (4.6 m/s) indicates a strong ascent capability, crucial for quick takeoffs, especially from water, and for efficiently reaching cruising altitudes.
These performance characteristics, combined with its inherent amphibious design, make the Lake Renegade a highly capable and desirable aircraft for a wide range of applications. Whether it's for personal adventure, commercial operations, or specialized governmental roles, the Renegade consistently delivers, solidifying its reputation as a true workhorse of the skies and waterways.
Specifications (LA-250)
| Category | Specification | Value |
|---|---|---|
| General Characteristics | Crew | One pilot |
| Capacity | Five passengers | |
| Length | 28 ft 4 in (8.64 m) | |
| Wingspan | 38 ft 0 in (11.58 m) | |
| Height | 10 ft 0 in (3.05 m) | |
| Wing area | 170 sq ft (15.8 m²) | |
| Weight | Empty weight | 1,850 lb. (839 kg) |
| Gross weight | 3,050 lb. (1,383 kg) | |
| Powerplant | 1 × Lycoming IO-540-C4B5, 250 hp (186 kW) | |
| Performance | Maximum speed | 160 mph (258 km/h, 140 kts) |
| Range | 1,036 mi (1,668 km, 900 nm) | |
| Service ceiling | 14,700 ft (4,480 m) | |
| Rate of climb | 900 ft/min (4.6 m/s) |
Conclusion
The Lake Renegade continues to be a testament to innovative aircraft design, offering unparalleled versatility for both recreational and utility purposes. Its unique amphibious capabilities, robust construction, and impressive performance specifications make it a standout choice in the world of general aviation. Whether you're seeking adventure in remote locations, conducting specialized operations, or simply enjoying the freedom of flight, the Lake Renegade delivers an experience that few aircraft can match.
From its record-setting achievements to its diverse operational roles, the Renegade has proven itself as more than just an aircraft – it's a gateway to possibilities that extend far beyond conventional aviation. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the Lake Renegade remains a shining example of what can be achieved when innovative design meets practical functionality.