Aerodynamic supplementary device for float aircraft

Abstract

The additional device according to the invention for floats for seaplanes and floatplanes comprises four airtight bladders (10) to which compressed air can be applied, and which extend along the float and rest on side surfaces (11) of the float, which essentially consists of a box (1). The bladders (10) are composed of a flexible material with little expansion capability or an elastomer material, and are entirely covered with an elastic and watertight textile skin (9). In the state when compressed air is applied, the edges of the box (1), that is to say the side edges (8) and the keel edge (7), are smoothed. Thus, as soon as the aircraft has become airborne, the drag coefficient cD of the float can be considerably reduced. The compressed air is released for the aircraft to land on and take off from water, so that the edges (7, 8) can produce their effect for directional stability (keel edge (7)) and in order to prevent the Coanda effect (side edges 8)).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.