floatplane

airplane

Also known as: float seaplane

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Last updated

June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

A floatplane is a type of seaplane that is supported on the water by one or more floats. Seaplanes, in general, are aircraft capable of landing, floating, and taking off on water.12

There are two main types of seaplanes:
* Flying boats: These have boatlike hulls.2
* Floatplanes: These have separate pontoons or floats.2

Floatplanes can be thought of as land planes that have had their landing wheels replaced with buoyant floats. To facilitate takeoff, float designs often include a stepped bottom. This allows the seaplane to lift onto the step, skimming the water with minimal friction as speed and lift increase.2

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seaplane
…separate pontoons or floats as floatplanes. The first practical seaplanes were built and flown in the United States by Glenn H. Curtiss, in 1911 and 1912. Curtiss’ inventions led to the British F-boats of World War I, which originated such naval air missions as over-ocean patrol, antisubmarine warfare, mine laying,…
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…separate pontoons or floats as floatplanes. The first practical seaplanes were built and flown in the United States by Glenn H. Curtiss, in 1911 and 1912. Curtiss’ inventions led to the British F-boats of World War I, which originated such naval air missions as over-ocean patrol, antisubmarine warfare, mine laying,…
Read More

airplane
Takeoff and landing gear
These include floatplanes, which are fitted with pontoons for operation on water; flying boats, in which the fuselage also serves as a hull for water travel; and amphibians, which are equipped to land on and take off from both land and water.
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These include floatplanes, which are fitted with pontoons for operation on water; flying boats, in which the fuselage also serves as a hull for water travel; and amphibians, which are equipped to land on and take off from both land and water.
Read More