Article

Emergency Flotation System Landing Gear

Jon E.Oct 17, 2026

We sometimes want to add custom detailing to our models, and it might not be commercially available, so we have to "build it ourselves". I have always liked the looks of the Emergency Flotation System (EFS), which is commonly called "Pop-Out Floats". Adding this bit of detailing can change the appearance of your model dramatically, and it is fairly easy to scratch-build.

Extending the Skid Tubes

You can do this by purchasing aluminum tubing of the proper size to fit your stock skid clamps, or you can just add extensions to both front and rear skid tubes using short pieces of aluminum rod as I have done in this project. I did not replace the entire skid tube because I had already built a custom set of skid gear with the proper angles and did not want to have to build another set (we will cover building skid gear in another article). I simply cut the existing skids and inserted short aluminum plugs to add the extensions using J-B Weld.

Aluminum plug inserted to extend the skid tube

Making the Float Bags

If you have knowledge in 3D printing, you can get files for the "float bags", but I found them to not be very realistic in detailing. You can use wood dowel, plastic or just about anything in the correct size because it is just a base to get the correct length and diameter (I am using the STL files for Flotation Gear found at Cults3D). Cut a groove in the bottom of the form to fit the skid tube.

I use the Original Brand Duck Tape in gray as it closely resembles float bag fabric. Make sure to create a few "wrinkles" when wrapping the tape around whatever you choose as a form. I added waterslide "NO STEP" decals for added realism, sprayed with "DullCoat" to remove any sheen from the tape, weathered them and secured them to the skid tubes with "Goop".

Wrinkled tape float bag with NO STEP decal

Supports, Lines and Bottles

You can also add the float bag supports using plastic or aluminum tubing. I simulated the pressure lines with black wire. You can make the pressure bottles from wood dowel or plastic tubing; I printed these from the STL files.

Float bags with supports and pressure lines installed

You can see in the pictures how adding float gear will enhance the look of your model. MAKE IT LOOK REAL, BUILD SCALE!!