Effect of Amphibious Floats on the Power-Off Stability and Control Characteristics of a Twin-Engine Cargo Airplane

摘要

Amphibious floats did not affect the lift coefficient or the control characteristics of the elevator or rudder. The floats-on longitudinal stability was greater than the floats-off stability because of a forward shift of the center of gravity after floats were attached. Directional stability was slightly diminished, but tail variations were devised which compensated for this. Lateral and longitudinal stability-control characteristics were satisfactory if one of three skid fins was added.