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Old January 26th 11, 04:29 PM posted to rec.aviation.homebuilt
Ron Wanttaja[_2_]
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Default Flyability of Biplane Flying Boat

On 1/26/2011 1:32 AM, durabol wrote:
I have been working on a biplane flying boat (similar to some in the
early 1900s). Rough weight estimates a fuselage/tail/controls 200,
Rotax 503/5Gal fuel 150, wings 150, me 225 = 725 gross. The reason for
the biplane configuration is for the large wing area (250sq.ft) I feel
will be needed to get off the water. Any opinion on whether this will
work? Perhaps I could get by with less wing area? I would also like
tandem seating if the design can handle the extra weight.


Probably could get by with less wing area. Fly Babies have 120 square
feet of wing, and the 65-HP prototype did fly with floats. Roughly
1,000 pounds gross. A company called Two Wings Aviation had a biplane
flying boat a number of years back, powered by a Rotax two-stroke.

http://www.lightsportaircraftpilot.c...sportaircraft/

It had the same span as a Fly Baby, probably slightly less chord, but of
course two wings. Probably ~175-200 sq ft.

However, the devil is in the details. The hydrodynamics of the hull are
going to be vital, and selecting a prop that'll let the plane get off
the water quickly yet still offer some cruise speed will be involved.

Ron Wanttaja