Aircraft float and system utilizing the same

Abstract

A lightweight, high strength aircraft float for use by ultralight, experimental, and light general aviation float planes. The float consists of a unitary outer shell that is formed into a desired shape using rotational molding, or blow molding, from a suitable polymer. In the preferred embodiment, the shell is manufactured of a high strength, cross-linked high density polyethylene, which has high strength, high impact resistance and is resistant to degradation by ultraviolet light. It is also preferred that an internal reinforcing structure be utilized to provide additional stiffness and rigidity to the upper and lower surfaces of the float. This structure may consist of the two extruded aluminum box sections, formed to appropriate profiles, which are inserted through small apertures at the front or rear of the roto-molded shell and secured within the shell by mechanical fasteners. One or more mounting devices may be attached to the upper surface of the float to allow the float to be attached to the fuselage of the floatplane. The preferred mounting devices allow for adjustment of the longitudinal placement of the floats, and thus the center of gravity of the floats relative to the center of gravity of the aircraft, by a small amount. Finally, the float may be filled with closed-cell foam of a suitable polymer, such as expanded polyethylene foam, though floats without such a foam are preferred.