High efficiency seaplane

Abstract

Abstract A seaplane having a low wing, a cabin over the wing, a pusher propeller located at the aft end of the cabin and just forward of the trailing edge of the wing and an empennage supported on a tail boom. The central portion of the leading edge of the wing extends forward in the shape of an isosceles triangle with its base against what would be a conventional leading edge and its apex in a vertical plane through the center line of the aircraft. The wing, including the triangular extension, provides flotation. The underside of the central portion incorporates transverse, angularly displaced and longitudinal steps. The lower portion of the propeller arc is separated from the water surface by the thickness of the wing near its trailing edge and the clearance between the arc and the proximate upper surace of the wing, allowing the thrust line and line of action of aerodynamic drag to be relatively close, resulting in a relatively low negative pitching moment. This moment is primarily offset by positive aerodynamic forces on the triangularly shaped wing extension producing a positive pitching moment. The extension diverts water spray from the propeller and creates vortices which direct high energy air into the propeller arc.

Inventors

• 👤 Paul H. Weston

Bibliographic Details