If It Can Fly, It Can Float!!! (11 Viewers)

[MIflyer]

I read of an incident that took place offshore of Wheelis AFB, Libya in the mid-60's. They were having an airshow and a helicopter (probably an H-19) was supposed to demonstrate picking up a guy in a life raft. The helicopter ended up in the water, so they had a real emergency. They scrambled an SA-16 to rescue the original guy and the chopper crew. The Albatross proceeded to land in the water with its landing gear down. Okay, so now they had TWO real emergencies.

If I'd have been the original guy in the life raft I'd have just given up and paddled to shore.

But it was a terrific show, anyway.

 

[GTX]

 

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Caproni Ca316

 

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[MiTasol]

View attachment 870710

I find it interesting that with the Russian engine fitted there is no ventral fin like on Pratt powered Otters. That will cause a massive improvement in crosswind capabilities because with the ventral fin fitted the aircraft windcocks in 5kt winds.

 

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[Warspite63]

View attachment 870828

So .... when it's sitting on the water, are the wings submerged?...... Was it designed to deliver para-glider-UDT troops? ;-P

 

[MiTasol]

And if it landed using full flap they would be ripped off the instant they hit the water. I am 99.99% sure that is more AI slop.

EDIT - post below shows it was real but the comment regarding flaps is still valid. If one tore off and the other remained the aircraft would go out of control. As anyone who has flown a floatplane of flying boat on how asymmetric drag affects handling on the water.

 

[ThomasP]

Allied Aviation XLRA-1. Designed to land 10 fully equipped Marines, as well as other types of personnel/troops. Could be fitted with low-drag landing gear for TO and landing as well. Technically successful, but cancelled due to a lack of practical use that would justify the expenditure of resources. Picture of 1 of the 2 prototypes on the water:

 

[MiTasol]

Colour me flabbergasted.

 

[special ed]

Which shade?

 

[MiTasol]

BRIGHT red

 

[Warspite63]

Allied Aviation XLRA-1. Designed to land 10 fully equipped Marines, as well as other types of personnel/troops. Could be fitted with low-drag landing gear for TO and landing as well. Technically successful, but cancelled due to a lack of practical use that would justify the expenditure of resources. Picture of 1 of the 2 prototypes on the water:
View attachment 870929

Huh. That's all I got..........

 

[Gnomey]

Good shots!

 

[GTX]

While not intentional, this does prove it could float: