Notched hydroplane surface for aircraft floats
US12325513B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 2024 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D1/16
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An amphibious aircraft includes two floats, each having a front hull and an elevated rear hull with a step between the two. Each float also has a retractable main landing gear with a main wheel. The step and the main wheel are placed strategically close to each other to provide readily controllable landings and takeoffs from water or land. To achieve such close placement of the step and the main wheel, a clearance notch in the front hull, near the step, provides space into which part of the main landing gear can extend when the main wheel descends to a deployed landing position. The size of the notch is sufficiently small to have an inconsequential effect on the front hull's ability to hydroplane. In some examples, a colored portion of the main landing gear protrudes above the float to provide a visual indication of when the main wheel is retracted.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.