The Nauticair 450 Story
It all started with Popular Mechanics introducing the Skyshark in 1971 designed by Dr. G. Leonard Gioia:
Introduction: What is the SKYSHARK?
As a youngster in the early seventies, aviation and drawing airplanes was already a big part of my life. One day I was in the drugstore and came across a magazine bearing the most fantastic aircraft painting I'd ever laid my eyes on. It was the April 1971 issue of Popular Mechanics featuring a revolutionary new personal amphibian jet incorporating the most "Space Age" design details. The designers name is Dr. Leonard Gioia. An aircraft designer decades ahead of his time. Below is that magazine cover and article, still looking spectacular and fresh after thiry-eight years! Thanks for creating this beautiful machine!
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- Dr. Gioia with the original Skyshark model - 2014 -
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My new sketch of the original concept, the Skyshark
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Update: 1/21/2009: Skyshark - Mark II
I found this article online. A reader still curious submitted a question to Popular Mechanics. - (circa early 80's(?) click to enlarge. Sorry for poor quality of image:
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Update: 1/24/09:
This is a somewhat recent version of the "Skyshark". It's now known as the "Nauticair 450"
New 3-D images are on the way with the most recent updates.
Stay tuned!
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Link to Archedyne: Home of the Nauticair 450. Great concept art!
http://www.archedyne.net
April 7.2009
The Nauticair 450 is now further refined as shown by my latest sketch below
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This blog is in memory of Dr. Leonard, (Gabby) Gioia
Dr. Gioia quietly passed away on November 10, 2015 in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
Thank you Gabby and family for your friendship and for the many fond memories we've shared throughout the years. You are dearly missed.
