Aircraft-Float Design and Construction

Designs of aircraft floats have included the canoe type, inflated bag or skid, box type, multi-rib type, canoe system with cloth over a thin smooth skin, girder type, and all-metal construction. The author follows the development and discusses necessary characteristics. Late construction is principally of aluminum alloy for both floats and boats. Bulkheads are used to carry concentrated loads, and the bottoms are sometimes reinforced by exterior longitudinals. Extruded shapes, angles, channels, and tees are becoming popular as framing members.