Back in the 1950s, Goodyear developed its Inflatoplane concept for the US military, using its newly developed Airmat technology. The idea was to create a collapsible/portable plane that could be airdropped to downed pilots for escape, but it was abandoned as alternatives like helicopter rescue became more viable.
But I wonder why it couldn't be revived or even redesigned completely, to serve the civilian consumer market?
Could it perhaps be done as a Part 103 aircraft, since the lighter inflatable body might more easily fit under Part 103 weight limits?
And what about a lower aspect ratio wing-body design, which perhaps might be more suitable for inflatable structures?
Perhaps inflatable structures could be complemented with some rigid load-bearing members capable of folding or collapsing by hinges, or joints, or by sliding.
The main purpose and selling point of an inflatable plane would be to serve as a collapsible and more portable alternative to other recreational ultralight aircraft.
But I wonder why it couldn't be revived or even redesigned completely, to serve the civilian consumer market?
Could it perhaps be done as a Part 103 aircraft, since the lighter inflatable body might more easily fit under Part 103 weight limits?
And what about a lower aspect ratio wing-body design, which perhaps might be more suitable for inflatable structures?
Perhaps inflatable structures could be complemented with some rigid load-bearing members capable of folding or collapsing by hinges, or joints, or by sliding.
The main purpose and selling point of an inflatable plane would be to serve as a collapsible and more portable alternative to other recreational ultralight aircraft.