Midwest LSA Expo Will Feature New MVP Aero Model 3 Triphibian Mockup Following Its Debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

The highly-anticipated 6th Annual Midwest LSA Expo will be held at Mount Vernon Outland Airport in central Illinois September 4-6.  The Midwest LSA Expo is a very important marketplace for the light sport aircraft manufacturers to demonstrate their products for serious customers.  Chris Collins, Mount Vernon Outland Airport Manager, told The Aero Experience that the focus of the event is to place aircraft buyers and sellers in one convenient location.  Collins mentioned that aircraft suppliers and customers come from across the country and Canada to this event, further illustrating the importance of the Midwest LSA Expo to the growth of the aviation community beyond the region.  The event organizers have provided free parking, free admission, free camping, and free shuttles to local hotels to help make everyone's experience there a pleasant one.

The Aero Experience continues our week-long coverage of the Midwest LSA Expo with this look at the new MVP Aero Model 3 triphibian light sport aircraft now available in mockup form.  We have included media material from our coverage of the aircraft's unveiling at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014, sponsored by Air Associates of Missouri and Air Associates of Kansas. 


MVP Model 3 mockup at LSA 10th anniversary exhibit

The MVP Model 3 mockup was unveiled this summer at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 at a well-attended press conference on July 27.  The unique carbon fiber fuselage and fabric-covered wing construction offers light weight and strength while remaining within the light sport category specifications.  It is a fairly large aircraft for its class, mostly due to the "triphibian" mission design for operation on land, sea and snow. 



(MVP Aero graphic)

The MVP Model 3 mockup demonstrated some of the unique features of the design.  Following a water landing, the pilot and passenger can move about the aircraft using the catwalk from the cockpit to the tail.  The crew seats can be removed, and one can be set up on the nose of the aircraft as a fishing or viewing station.  Also, a hammock can be strung between the engine and the tail for that afternoon siesta on the lake.    

The press conference and unveiling was hosted by MVP Aero's senior staff, CEO Steve Pugh, President Darrell Lynds and Executive Vice President Design and Engineering Mike Van Staagen.  The company's Board of Advisors contains an impressive group of aerospace industry leaders with the experience and resources available to carry out the next phase of development: refinement of component options and production of the first prototype.  Production will initially be centered in the U.S. with Glasair, and then licensed in other countries as markets open (such as China).  The aircraft will be available in Special Light Sport Aircraft and possibly in Experimental Light Sport Kits, Experimental Amateur-Built Kits and FAA Part 23 Certified Aircraft.  Development of the Model 3 will continue for another 18-24 months.

Some photos from the press conference can be seen below:

MVP Aero CEO Steve Pugh introduces the company to the media

MVP Aero President Darrell Lynds continues...

MVP Aero Vice President Design and Engineering Mike Van Staagen

discusses advanced composite design features 

The MVP Aero Model 3 following the unveiling

The canopy lifts up to reveal the nose deck area

The crew seat can be fitted to the nose deck for fishing

A hammock can be strung between the engine and tail