The Development and Characteristics of a Long-Range Flying Boat (The S-42)

Extract

Almost a decade ago, with the rapid world-wide development of air transportation, came the demand for new types of aircraft. It became evident that a plane capable of operating from land or water was the logical step needed to open up larger areas for air transportation. The proximity of water compared with the remoteness of available landing fields to the centres of population was the deciding factor in amphibian development.

While the advantages of the amphibian are obvious, the limitations and; difficulties of creating an efficient plane of this type are also evident. Compared to the seaplane or landplane, the amphibian must take care of the extra weight and parasitic resistance, as well as solve various other problems connected with combining the characteristics of the land and seaplane in one aeroplane.