What is an extreme terrain aircraft (XTA)?
An extreme terrain aircraft (XTA) is an airplane capable of traversing and operating from many different terrain surfaces without the need to change landing gear or configuration. From floating bogs and shallow streams to snow covered fields and thin ice conditions, the XTA can go where seaplane and ski plane pilots could only dream of. It could be described as the Argo XTV of the aviation world; not incredibly fast, but it will take you anywhere.
At BEAST Aviation, we have a patent pending on exactly that; an all-new versatile and convenient aircraft type that you can fly virtually anywhere, at any time, at a very economical price. Our mission is to offer all-season, multi-surface, STOL performance aircraft designed for a simple and economical ownership and piloting experience. We want to give people the affordability to fly into the wilderness on their own terms and we're currently building the first prototype model.
Where can a BEAST aircraft take you?
Why is it necessary? What difference could it make?
Flood rescue
Government/Military
Flood rescue
The unique ability to quickly land in a flooded town, slowly traverse through debris-littered streets at surface level and power down to safely pick up untrained casualties make the XTA a very effective rescue craft, even as a cost-effective one-person operation.
Ice rescue
Government/Military
Flood rescue
Unfortunately, the most modern ice rescue methods and equipment still feature very slow response times for the casualty and very high danger situations for the rescue personnel. The XTA would greatly improve the response time while making the operation safer and more effective for everyone involved.
Government/Military
Government/Military
Eco-friendly and economical option
The ability to land and shutdown virtually anywhere lets the pilot accomplish a completely different task on the ground before leaving to the next site. This single-person operation could make the XTA a very high value option for some missions currently reserved for helicopters in natural ressource management, border patrol, search and rescue and large wildfire suppression operations.
Eco-friendly and economical option
Eco-friendly and economical option
Eco-friendly and economical option
In cases where the XTA is utilized instead of a helicopter, the operator is burning a small fraction of the fuel quantity, drastically reducing our carbon footprint and saving the operator a lot of money. The low-cost aspect of the XTA could also provide a serviceable rescue aircraft to smaller agencies that can't afford a helicopter, such as local fire and police departments in smaller towns.
Flight Safety
Eco-friendly and economical option
Flight Safety
For the average single-engine GA aircraft, flying over water or difficult terrain can be risky. Having the ability to land safely in any flat-ish 200 foot strip gives the pilot many more options in the event of a forced landing, reducing the probability of personal injury or aircraft damage.
Recreation
Eco-friendly and economical option
Flight Safety
Fishing and hunting outfitters will have a more economical aircraft option that can reach destinations not previously possible. Some alpine areas could even use the XTA as an affordable alternative to bring a couple heliskiing. Most of all, the basic XTA will be affordable enough to let the average outdoor enthusiast go wherever their heart desires.
About BEAST
My name is Roch Boulanger and I've been an aircraft enthusiast my entire life. Growing up, I followed my 2 older brothers' lead and joined the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, where I was able to obtain a glider pilot licence (GPL) in 2005 as well as a private pilot licence (PPL) in 2006, kickstarting my lifelong passion for aviation. As a fire ranger for the Ontario MNR in the summers of 2008 through 2013, I worked around various utility aircraft such as the DHC-2 Turbo Beaver, DHC-6 Twin Otter and Eurocopter EC130. Noticing some challenges associated with current aircraft models, it was here that I began thinking of designs and solutions to make aircraft that would be more efficient for the tasks associated with fighting wildfires.
As I tried to keep flying while attending university, it didn't take long for me to realize that general aviation is very expensive, not to mention inconvenient to practice or utilize just for the sake of flying. The endless added costs associated with flying and owning GA aircraft made my dream of eventually having my own bush plane seem virtually impossible. Shifting my focus to ultralight and amateur-built aircraft, the more affordable models didn’t have the capabilities or capacities that I wished for. My idea of a convenient, affordable and highly capable bush plane that could be used year-round simply did not exist. If I ever wanted to own and fly an aircraft that fulfilled my expectations, I would have to design and build it myself.
The designs I drew up ultimately turned into a new category of aircraft which can be used year-round on virtually any surface, without any “in-between seasons” or added costs and inconvenience of extra landing gear options and changes. The XTA is going to be more than a great recreational aircraft, it will be fantastic for countless specialty missions as well. And so, with the encouragement of my amazing wife, I decided to apply for a patent, build the prototype myself and start BEAST Aviation (Boulanger Experimental Aircraft Systems and Technology).
History
February 3rd, 2025: Obtained patent pending status on the new aircraft type (extreme terrain aircraft).
June 8th, 2025: First run-up of the concept Suzuki powerplant (800cc 2-stroke, 160hp) is a success.