Flying boat

A flying boat is an aircraft that is designed to take off and alight upon water. Although some argue that it is a distinct class in its own right, others, including Wikipedia, treat it as a type of seaplane which uses its fuselage as a floating hull (instead of pontoons mounted below the fuselage).

Related Topics:
Aircraft - Water - Seaplane - Fuselage - Hull - Pontoon

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Flying boats aircraft were among the largest aircraft of the first half of the 20th century; their ability to alight on water allowing them to break free of the size constraints and general lack of land based runways. Their ability to alight on water also made them important for the rescue of downed pilots, a capability put to great use in World War II. Following World War II, their use gradually trailed off, with many of the roles taken over by other aircraft types. In the 21st century, flying boats maintain a few niche uses, such as for dropping water on forest fires.

Related Topics:
20th century - World War II

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