#1
Posted: 4/12/2011 16:38:35
I think I might design a set of floats for my 200 pound (400 lb gross) airplane. (unfinished)
What float design info is available?
I have the 1930's Flying and Gliding Manuals with plans for the Heath Super Parasol plywood floats. And the plans for metal Pietenpol floats from Sport Aviation archives.
Do I need anything else to design a set of flat bottom metal floats?
thanks
Bill
#2
Posted: 5/2/2011 11:17:03
The Gemini Hummingbird, a twin-engined ultralight, originally had flat bottomed floats that were blow-molded plastic over foam cores. I still have a set. They were found to take a run of a couple thousand feet to get airborne. Replaced with V-hulled floats, the Hummingbird could leap off the water in a couple hundred feet.
I would recommend V-hulled floats over flat bottomed ones. They may be a bit heavier and harder to build than the flat bottomed ones, but it will be less work than rebuilding the whole airplane after you get it down out of a tree on the shore.
Andy
#3
Posted: 5/2/2011 19:09:05
Andy,
That's interesting, but there must more involved in your flat bottom float experience. (size of step maybe?)
All the information I have indicates that flat bottom is better for getting on step. The only reason for not using flat bottom, as far as I know, is rough handling in waves.
Somebody gave me a pair of fiberglass floats yesterday(unknown brand). They are 10 feet long with triple V bottom and weigh 60 lbs each. These fiberglass floats are much too heavy, I still plan to make my own floats with metal, hopefully around 20-30lbs each.
Bill