Patent ID: 7159820
Filing Date: 2007-01-09
Classification: B64C

Abstract:
1. A twin float aircraft comprising: a main fuselage; at least two fixed wings attached to the main fuselage; and floats arranged to at least substantially support the aircraft in a floating on water status, wherein the fuselage is positioned at least substantially above the water, wherein the floats provide sufficient buoyancy and stability for the aircraft during take off and landing, wherein a first of the floats is located to one side of the main fuselage of the aircraft, wherein a second of the floats is located to a second side of the main fuselage which is opposite to the said first side of the main fuselage of the aircraft, and wherein the floats are each secured to the aircraft so that they can each assume at least two positions, a first of which is an extended position and a second of which is a retracted position, the floats being each arranged when in the retracted position to be located with respect to the main fuselage so that a substantial portion of the surface area of each respective float that acts to support the aircraft in the water and which becomes wetted in the floating on water status is shielded from contributing substantially to air flow resistance of the aircraft when in flight with the floats in the retracted position.