Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Giovanna Ucles
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Kimberly Heinzer
Abstract
This project presents the preliminary design of a regional amphibious aircraft, aimed at servicing a variety of missions in areas with limited infrastructure. Currently, aircraft options for operations in challenging environments are limited, with most designs relying on float-like structures. This new design reintroduces the flying boat concept, offering reduced drag and improved operational efficiency. Two configurations are proposed: a 19-passenger version with a range of at least 350 nautical miles, and a 10-passenger version with a range of at least 980 nautical miles, both achieving a minimum cruise speed of 150 knots. Hand calculations were employed to assess key design constraints, including cost, weight, thrust, stability, and performance. These results were validated through simulation tools such as XFoil, VSP, and XFLR. The preliminary design was modeled in CATIA. The aircraft currently offers a range of 660 nautical miles with 20 passengers, making it suitable for a wide range of maritime environments, particularly regional passenger and cargo transport. This design provides a more modern, cost-effective solution for amphibious aircraft operations, bridging the gap between smaller and larger aircraft in the current market.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Regional Amphibious Aircraft Preliminary Design
This project presents the preliminary design of a regional amphibious aircraft, aimed at servicing a variety of missions in areas with limited infrastructure. Currently, aircraft options for operations in challenging environments are limited, with most designs relying on float-like structures. This new design reintroduces the flying boat concept, offering reduced drag and improved operational efficiency. Two configurations are proposed: a 19-passenger version with a range of at least 350 nautical miles, and a 10-passenger version with a range of at least 980 nautical miles, both achieving a minimum cruise speed of 150 knots. Hand calculations were employed to assess key design constraints, including cost, weight, thrust, stability, and performance. These results were validated through simulation tools such as XFoil, VSP, and XFLR. The preliminary design was modeled in CATIA. The aircraft currently offers a range of 660 nautical miles with 20 passengers, making it suitable for a wide range of maritime environments, particularly regional passenger and cargo transport. This design provides a more modern, cost-effective solution for amphibious aircraft operations, bridging the gap between smaller and larger aircraft in the current market.