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Seabird Aviation Australia Pty Ltd (SEABIRD) has designed, developed and certificated the SB7L-360 Seeker-2 (SEEKER), a multi-role utility aircraft so as to achieve optimum effectiveness, performance and safety in low level observation tasks. A result of thousands of hours of tough military patrol, surveillance and training operations, the Australian designed and manufactured SEEKER is now available for commercial and private use.
For commercial use, with operating costs a third that of the helicopter equivalent, the SEEKER provides an efficient and cost-effective alternative for power and pipeline inspection, coast watch, environmental and stock monitoring, aerial photography and security where VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) is not mission essential. The Seeker’s visibility is unrivalled by any other fixed-wing aircraft and is superior to many helicopters.
For the private owner, the SEEKER provides a safe and enlightening flying experience not available in conventional fixed wings.
It is only by experiencing a flight in the SEEKER that you will be able to truly appreciate the superior visibility from the cabin, and the safe docile handling characteristics the SEEKER can provide.
We invite you review this site then contact a SEABIRD representative and arrange a demonstration flight.
The Seeker is operational today in Australia, USA, Middle East and Africa
Company Profile
With a long aviation –related history and incorporated since 1983, Seabird Aviation Australia Pty Ltd (SEABIRD) has a record of innovation and excellence in the design, certification and manufacture of specialized aircraft. The company embodies a depth of experience, which dates back more than 50 years. During that time our founder and Chairman Don Adams pioneered many aviation related enterprises in aerial agriculture, maintenance, charter and resort development. Today SEABIRD’s purpose-built factory and office complex is situated at Hervey Bay Airport, Queensland Australia.
Early market research focused on defining a segment in the market which combined a high rate of demand growth where there was no aircraft currently in production designed specially to meet the needs of that segment – a true niche in which the company could make its mark and sustain an international competitive advantage. This market research identified the path leading to the Seeker Airborne Observation Platform.
The SB7L-360 Seeker was first certificated to FAR 23 standard in 1996. A series of significant upgrades were incorporated in 2003 when the aircraft became known as the SB7L-360 Seeker-2.
Strategic Partners
- Seabird Aviation America Inc.
- Seabird Aviation Jordan LLC
With these partners SEABIRD has laid the foundation to become a world leader in the development, supply and support of aircraft and systems for the Airborne Observation and Surveillance industry.
Design Philosophy
Traditionally helicopters have been utilised as a platform for Airborne Observation. Much of the Helicopter work takes place from conventional airfields, and requires neither hovering nor vertical flight at any stage of the mission – merely slow, safe, stable flight, while affording the crew maximum visibility and protection.
Seabird's aim during the design and development of the Seeker was to provide – from an airborne platform – the ability to gather environmental, demographic, and security information reliably, more efficiently and cost effectively, with a greater degree of safety than current platforms. The structure and configuration is optimized for the fitment of electro-optical sensors and equipment for special missions.
SB7L-360 Seeker
Designed and developed in Australia, and now operating in Australia, USA, Middle-East, and Africa, the SB7L-360 Seeker 2 (SEEKER) is a purpose built, rugged utility aircraft. A result of thousands of hours of tough military patrol, surveillance and training operations, the SEEKER is now available for commercial and private use.
At a third of the operating cost of rotary equivalents, the SEEKER provides an efficient alternative for power and pipeline inspection, coast watch, environmental and stock monitoring, aerial photography and security - where VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) is not mission essential. Its visibility is unrivalled by any other fixed-wing aircraft and is superior to many helicopters.
The SEEKER advantage
Seabird Aviation has designed and developed the SEEKER multi-role utility aircraft for optimum effectiveness, performance and safety in low level observation tasks. Delivering a combination of attributes not available with conventional helicopters or commercially available fixed wing aircraft, the Seeker represents a sound business decision and offers an impressive and unique flying experience
The Seeker delivers a combination of attributes not available in other fixed wing General aviation aircraft
Helicopter-like visibility
The crew seated forward of the wing highlights the deficiencies of conventional fixed-wing designs and permits unrivalled 270 degree visibility.
Primary Safety
Responsive push rod operated controls, vice - free stall handling –will roll level when stalled in turn
Minimal pitch change with power and flap changes
Visibility from cabin and Inherent stability reduces pilot work load and enhances situational awareness.
Low stall speed and ample power - to - weight ratio enhance low level flight safety
High fatigue life – metal primary Structure
Simple structure and systems ensure complete and regular maintenance
Secondary Safety
Occupants protected in tubular steel “Safety Cell”.
Fire hazards are minimised with fuel in wings and no fuel lines in cabin area.
Four point inertia reel harnesses standard
Comfortable ride in turbulence
Forward cabin provides the crew with a smooth ride, and reduced fatigue on extended missions.
Comfortable cabin
Well ventilated and spacious with door-off operation approval.
Low vibration levels
With a high mounted engine and pusher prop, aft of the cabin, no Propeller slipstream buffet over cabin.
De-rated Lycoming 0-360 engine
Widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most reliable piston aircraft engines. The 0-360B2C is de-rated for even greater reliability
Low octane fuels
Min. 80/87 Avgas with Mogas approval.
Soft-field operation
Rugged spring steel main undercarriage legs. Tail wheel oleo, low pressure tyres enable rough field operations.
Airframe Spare parts readily available
Spares are available direct from Australian manufacturer. Off-the-shelf rotables commonly available
Range of sensors accommodated
Aperture in floor. Under-wing and fuselage hard-points. 24 volt 70amp, electrical system
Proven in the Harshest operating conditions
In 2004 Seeker was chosen by the Coalition Provisional Authority as first aircraft for the re-formed Iraqi Air force. These aircraft continue to be operational today, where alternatives have failed, continuing to protect vital infrastructure and the environment.
Once you fly the SEEKER you will immediately realise its uniqueness and outstanding effectiveness in providing a safe, cost-efficient alternative to many conventional fixed-wing and rotary wing aircraft. |
