Maximum airspeed with Float Bags Armed or Inflated is __________ KIAS.

Maximum airspeed with Float Bags Armed or Inflated is __________ KIAS.

• A. 80 kts
• B. 90 kts
• C. 100 kts
• D. 85 kts

Answer: (B)

Float bags change the helicopter’s aerodynamics and structural/load limits. When the floats are armed or inflated, they add drag and alter the hull’s surface, buoyancy, and stability characteristics. To keep airframe loads, float fittings, and water handling within safe margins, the speed envelope is reduced. The established limit in this condition is 90 KIAS, which provides adequate margin for gusts and water interaction while avoiding excessive dynamic pressure on the floats and hull. Higher speeds with the floats deployed could stress the float system or lead to unstable behavior during water operations, so the 90 KIAS value is set to protect both the floats and the airframe.

Float bags change the helicopter’s aerodynamics and structural/load limits. When the floats are armed or inflated, they add drag and alter the hull’s surface, buoyancy, and stability characteristics. To keep airframe loads, float fittings, and water handling within safe margins, the speed envelope is reduced. The established limit in this condition is 90 KIAS, which provides adequate margin for gusts and water interaction while avoiding excessive dynamic pressure on the floats and hull. Higher speeds with the floats deployed could stress the float system or lead to unstable behavior during water operations, so the 90 KIAS value is set to protect both the floats and the airframe.