Importance

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Abstract

An amphibious executive or business airplane, also having military application, possesses sponsons integrated with the airplane fuselage. The trailing end of the sponsons end in a sharp edge, thus eliminating the need for a hull or float step or venting. A channel is formed by the sponsons and the underside of the fuselage, which channel has a constant cross-section and produces a surface lift effect facilitating take-off and landing. A pair of keels beginning substantially aft of the center of gravity of the airplane provide directional stability on the water. The aircraft is preferably jet powered with the inlet of the engines disposed above the sponsons to eliminate water intake. Variable geometry wings of telescoping design maximize aerodynamic performance on take-off and landing and during the high altitude, high speed cruise regime of the flight.

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First Claim