Product innovation and development is one of the hallmarks of AirVenture, and one of the vendors attending this year has an impressive innovation in development. Tigerfish Aviation is working on the development of retracting amphibious float technology for aircraft.

Computerized Fluid Dynamic (CFD) testing has been completed on the concept, which promises potential efficiency improvements of up to 14 percent for single-engine aircraft, and up to 20 percent for twin-engine aircraft. The principle of the new system is a float which retracts to the belly of the aircraft. The nose of the aircraft is modified with a fairing, which in turn covers the front end of the floats with an aerodynamic form, cutting drag in the process.

Tigerfish is building funds to complete their prototype aircraft to provide a proof of concept at this time, and is seeking venture capital to complete the funding process. Aircraft considered as potential proof of concept test beds include the Cessna Caravan, and potentially a very light jet (VLJ) such as the Eclipse.

For more information, visit the Tigerfish display in the Carrier "E" Hangar on the north side, or visit their website at www.tigerfishaviation.net.