Carbon Fiber Composite Floats

Now available are the new 2700 straight and amphibious floats.  Using the same processes and composite materials that have made our 1430 so successful.  The new 2700 offers unparalleled performance, strength and safety on the water and in the air.  Ideally suited for the CompAir C4, BearHawk, Sportsman 2+2 and other aircraft in the 2700lb range.

The 1430 is designed not only for the new Light Sport Aircraft marketplace but also for the venerable 2-place bush planes of the past that have always wanted the performance and ultimate durability that our Carbon Composite floats can offer.

Our float models currently include:

  • 1430
  • 1430 Amphib
  • 1600
  • 1600 Amphibs
  • 2200
  • 2200 Amphibs
  • 2700
  • 2700 Amphib

More Information

Design


Our floats are designed using the latest in CAD software enabling us to optimize the aerodynamic and hydrostatic characteristics of the floats in many different loading conditions. For this we use a combination of MaxSurf, HydroMax, Rhino and AutoCAD. We understand the extreme environment in which our floats are used so we simulate hundreds of different conditions that our customers may encounter. After carefully modeling the floats and analyzing the surfaces for fairness and streamline we then move to the Engineering stage.

Engineering


Structural engineering of the floats is performed by our lead composite engineer, Nina Heatley. Nina has many years of experience in the field of composite engineering within the marine and aerospace industries. The process of designing an advanced composite structure starts with close examination of the load requirements. Then using such tools as FEA (finite element analysis) we develop a lightweight, stiff laminate structure which we then add large safety factors to. All engineering meets or exceeds Part 23 of the FAA™s requirements.

Construction


The running surface has a Carbon Fiber/Kevlar Hybrid outer skin reinforced with linear PVC core and multiple layers of Carbon Fiber for maximum durability. The topsides and top deck are solid Carbon Fiber reinforced with rigid PVC core for long term geometric stability.  The Carbon Fibers are impregnated with Pro-Set epoxy resins then vacuum consolidated to insure a perfect Fiber/Resin ratio.  The Floats are then post cured to 160F  to achieve maximum strength. An Epoxy primer is then applied to the surfaces. Mead Floats is proud to offer AWL-GRIP epoxy paint systems and have the ability to color match the gloss paint to the customers aircraft.