Coventry, UK-based JetBlades, part of Midlands Aerospace Alliance (Hall 4, Stand E7) has designed a lightweight composite seaplane float that adds up to 40 % to an aircraft's payload. JetBlades modeled an entire Cessna 206 seaplane for wind tunnel and water towing tests. The results have led to a SMART award of £45,000 from the UK government for further development before a decision is made over whether to go into full production. Managing director Mark Kirby says several thousand seaplanes are in service product could have considerable market appeal.
Source: Flight Daily News