Aviatik II Floats (oz14541)

About this Plan

Aviatik II Floats.

Note this is a plan for floats, only. These floats are 25 in long, and designed to fit onto the Aviatik II (oz14539).

Update 6/1/2026: Added article, thanks to Rennfahrer.

Quote (google-translated): "In the last issue, we presented the model, published the construction plan and building instructions. Here is the addendum: the description of the model for seaplane flying, including the construction plan drawing of the floats.

The floats, made from balsa side pieces 1, the nose piece 2, and formers 3-15, are simple in construction. From below, they are planked at the front with 0.8 mm spherical balsa (16) and behind the step with 2 mm balsa (17). From spherical pieces 18 and 19, we fabricate the four plates for the float connectors and glue them into the floats. Then we plank the top of the floats with 2.5 mm balsa (20), leaving a small area open behind the nose piece for ballast.

Balancing the floats is important; the center of gravity of the water model must be identical to that of the land version. Legs 21 and 22 and connectors 24 are made from 2.5 mm diameter steel wire, and struts 23 from 2 mm diameter steel wire.

They are then soldered together as with the land landing gear. The floats are attached to the hull using brackets 25 and screws 26. On the prototype, the water rudder was attached to a turned steel part with threads for two M2 socket head cap screws. This rudder mount 27 is epoxied into the rudder for quick assembly. The rudder itself is made of 3 mm diameter steel, and its axle is made of 1.5 mm diameter steel wire. We balance the fully equipped Water Aviation II, adding lead weights to the tips of the floats if necessary.

The floats are covered with paper and well-varnished, as is the steel wire support for rust protection. The rudder is not covered, only varnished.

Water landing: While taxiing, we hold the elevator slightly pulled back until the model reaches the step, at which point it quickly gains speed. Then we return the elevator to neutral, and the model takes off realistically. The biplane in the float-only version reacts somewhat more sluggishly than the land-based version, but this makes flying it on water all the more fun."

Update 6/1/2026: Replaced this plan with a clearer copy, thanks to Rennfahrer.

Supplementary file notes

Article.
Previous scan version.

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