Yes, the PBY never had flaps, but I'm going to put some 30% chord
fowler flaps over about 70% of the span. Should be pretty close to
STOL then with a good power to weight ratio.

I've got access to Catia V5, so I'm ok there. I have more experience
using ProE wildfire, but that's what I got. :-)

The gear will weigh a lot, and I want to make sure it is up to rough
fields. I think it can be reasonable in weight if one puts enough time
into it.

I've been looking at safety issues right off the bat with this
concept. I've already went through NTSB stuff on the Catalina as well
as other types, like the seawind. So I've been documenting problems
such as the nose wheel doors on the catalina collapsing causing a
nose-over in the water. You mention loosing an engine might be a
problem with 2x200 hp. I had been looking at the power loading of
several twins and have noticed many with similar power loading. In
fact a 1997 PA-34 Seneca V has 2 engines rated 200 hp continuous (220
for TO) with a gross of 4750 lbs, but a stall speed of 70 mph. But you
do bring up a good point about SE performance, and that's one thing I
will keep an eye on.

Thanks for your comments! Keep em coming!
Tom



I decided several years ago to design a half scale A-10 that would accomodate
someonne my size. After years of learning, drawing, calculating etc I have an
aircraft that will fly rather nicely except for that li'l ole ducted fan thing.

I use MicroStation for the drawings, trust me, you will need either CAD or a
room full of A size paper.

My point is I think you will find all kinds of neat stuff that will make you
work and rework your estimates.

If you make it amphibian as the original is the gear alone will weigh a bunch.
For the useful load you suggest I think you would have problems with 2x200 hp
engins if one flakes out on take off.

Having said that I think it's a neat idea, I did mention a scale PBY as an idea
a year or two ago in this NG, and I wish you all the luck.

Dan, U.S. Air Force, retired