Seaplanes and flying boats originated soon after the first aircraft took flight. At the time runways were limited and often could only be used by smaller aircraft. It was
a great advantage to be able to take off and land on water. The world's largest aircraft, the Spruce Goose, was one among the many seaplanes and flying boats of the world.
During the Wars it was an advantage for a ship to be able to carry seaplanes and flying boats to use as a spotter and for reconnaissance, capable of defending against submarine attacks, and for rescues at sea. A number of land-based aircraft were converted to
seaplanes, flying boats, and amphibians from having landing gear to floats or both. These aircraft were launched from ships via a catapult and when landed in the sea, cranes on board the ships recovered them.
Seaplanes, flying boats, and amphibians are still being used today. The CL-415 Super Scoopers skim over the water to quickly replenish their water supply for fire fighting. Private recreational aircraft may be designed as seaplanes and flying boats.
They can have fuselages designed like the hull of a boat or may be equipped with floats for flying into otherwise inaccessible locations.
Seaplanes and
Flying Boats
Seaplanes and flying boats used by Great Britain for pilot training: A.19 Saro Cloud
Largest current seaplanes and flying boats: A-40 Albatross
Two place recreational flying boat sold as plans from 1969 to 1978. Some 200 sets of plans were sold: Anderson EA-1
One or two seat ultralight airplane with flying boat hull available with retracts: Aventura
Largest ever mass produced seaplanes and flying boats deployed during WW II: Blohm & Voss BV 222
World's largest one of a kind of all seaplanes and flying boats built during WW II: Blohm & Voss BV 238
Experimental Italian nine wing early seaplane and flying boat: Caproni Ca.60
Most luxurious seaplanes and flying boats: China Clippers
Seaplanes and flying boats that can Scoop a 1,620 gallon water load in just twelve seconds: CL-415 Super Scooper
A bush pilot favorite when equipped as seaplanes and flying boats with floats: deHavilland Beaver
Highly regarded WW II amphibians seaplanes and flying boats used by the Luftwaffe: Dornier Do 24
World's largest seaplanes and flying boats when first flown, and heaviest aircraft during their deployments: Dornier Do X
Primary single engine workhorse military amphibians seaplanes and flying boats for the U.S. and its allies: Grumman Duck
Supersonic jet fighter seaplanes and flying boats: F2Y Sea Dart
Seaplanes and flying boats which rescued thousands of troops from coastal waters and rivers: HU-16 Albatross
Seaplanes and flying boats recreational two place amphibian expecting to start deliveries of the first of some 900 pre-ordered aircraft in 2013: ICON A5
Twin seat Seaplanes and flying boats amphibian sold as a kit for home building, first flown in 1969: Anderson Kingfisher
Last flying boat racer design ever to enter the Schneider Trophy race: Macchi M33
On Oct. 23, 1933 set the still standing world seaplanes and flying boats speed record: Macchi Castoldi MC-72
Largest water bomber seaplanes and flying boats and largest seaplane to ever enter production: Martin Mars
Single engine WW II seaplanes and flying boats known for rescuing downed pilots: OS2U Kingfisher
Four engine jet bomber seaplanes and flying boats: P6M Sea Master
Seaplanes and flying boats that sighted the Bismarck and Japanese fleets during World War II: Consolidated PBY Catalina
Seaplanes and flying boats that for years were the only single engine flying boat amphibians in the world: Lake Renegade
Seaplanes and flying boats which set a total of fourteen world records including altitude, distance, and speed: Savoia Marchetti S.55
Four seat recreational seaplanes and flying boats that can fly at 200 mph: Seawind 300C
Described as the greatest seaplanes and flying boats ever built: Short Sunderland
Largest among the seaplanes and flying boats ever made: Spruce Goose
Seaplanes and flying boats known for their ruggedness, dependability, and utility: Grumman Widgeon
