Seaplane electric thruster drive system for lowspeed maneuvering

Abstract

The present invention comprises a system which includes a novel quick release thruster mount system using one or more removable elements allowing the thrusters to be removed quickly. The present invention also comprises a novel “float compartment centric” design where no wiring to the cockpit is necessary. Redundant power units are self-contained and protected. The novel design incorporates thrust force over the surface of the water rudders improving directional control. The rudder anti lift device ALPB allows the rudders to remain in the water while reverse or braking thrust is applied. Control and monitoring are done wirelessly from the safety of the cockpit reducing hazard while maneuvering to avoid prop strike hazards to pilot, persons or objects. The system offers the ability to maintain positive directional control while taxing downwind resisting the inherent weathervane forces, braking, and turning maneuvers unachievable with current methods. The system differs from any prior art due to the aft location of drive components, method for deployment, and the fact that the drive system does not mount directly to the float itself but rather the water rudders. These forces are marginal in comparison to what is needed when one takes into consideration the Moment and Arm location of the force and the smaller lightweight thrusters do more work with less effort.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.