Although it seemed an improbable project, the finished aircraft proved to be capable of meeting its design objectives although its sponsor, the United States Army, ultimately cancelled the project when it could not find a \"valid military use for an aircraft that could be brought down by a well-aimed bow and arrow.\"\r\rThe original concept of an all-fabric inflatable aircraft was based on Taylor McDaniel inflatable rubber glider experiments in 1931. Goodyear estimated that a single person could use a hand pump to inflate the plane halfway in about 10 minutes. This was one of those might-have-been airplanes designed by the Goodyear Company in the 1950s. The airplane needs a couple engine parts fabricated but i can have it done in my maintenance shop if need be. I acquired it in an estate that i bought a few years ago. The Goodyear Inflatoplane was an inflatable experimental aircraft made by the Goodyear Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, well known for the Goodyear blimp. When fully inflated the wings of the Goodyear Inflatoplane were rigid enough to hold the weight of a person. Inspection, Inflatoplane Model GA 468", 6 March 1961. [1] The inflatoplane is constructed of a thick rubber material that holds air when it is blown up. There are only a few surviving examples of the Goodyear Inflatoplane, most of which reside in museums. Apartment For Student. The turn tightened until one of the wings folded up over the propeller and was chopped up. The Inflatoplane could stay packed into a fairly small container until it was needed. The 44 cubic ft (1.25 cubic meter) container could also be transported by truck, jeep trailer or aircraft. Only 12 were built with just three surviving today. [1] The inflatable surface of this aircraft was actually a sandwich of two rubber-type materials connected by a mesh of nylon threads, forming an I-beam. These aircraft were designed to compensate for leaks since the designers took into account possible damage from enemy gunfire. The Inflatoplane carried a maximum weight of 240 lb., had a range of 390 mi., and an endurance of 6.5 hr.s. The test program at Goodyear's facilities near Wingfoot Lake, Akron, Ohio showed that the inflation could be accomplished with as little as 8 psi (544mbar), less than a car tire. Although the plane didn't turn out to be a major project, it made the Goodyear Goodyear brand accessible to everyone with a passion for technology and fleeing the complex. The two-cycle 40-hp Nelson engine had to be hand-started and held 20 gallons of fuel. I acquired it in an estate that i bought a few years ago. The Inflatoplane is not airworthy and should only be used for display purposes. How it got there is a bit of mystery, since the plane was supposed to have been taken to a landfill and buried. The two-seat variant had slightly different characteristics. Goodyear no longer makes the Airmat fabric used in the construction of the Inflatoplane. Very great idea . This is a great way to help new players get the recognition they deserve for their work. The airplane needs a couple engine parts fabricated but i can have it done in my maintenance shop if need be. Back in the United States, McDaniel worked on his idea for a number of years and finally received a patent for an inflated rubber tube glider that flew twice on January 4, 1931. Deflatoplane. This time the glider had reached about 80 feet when the pilot lost control. It apparently never made it into published versions You can learn more about how to do that here. Structural integrity was retained in flight with forced air being continually circulated by the aircraft's motor. Bidding ended on 12/15/2021, The Goodyear Inflatoplane was an inflatable experimental aircraft made by the Goodyear Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. I am attaching pics of not the exact plane but of a similar one as mine again is just in a pile. If someone is seriously interested it can be inflated anytime. Take off distance on sod was 250 ft with 575 ft needed to clear a 50-foot obstacle. Two months later, disaster struck at Wingfoot Lake. An engine-driven air compressor maintained the low air pressure needed to keep the airplane inflated and rigid. A friend of my father is actually an arms dealer and was going to try to trade it with the US army for a blackhawk helicopter (not kidding) but it hasnt come to fruition. Lol I think so also. 1994 - 2023 Fiddlersgreen.net. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Goodyear donated two Inflatoplanes, one to the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, and one to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The fuselage was built out of airship fabric with reinforced areas for the landing gear and a pilot seat. The propeller is period correct but not the original to this Inflatoplane. Rate of climb was 550 ft per min. The first GA-33 prototype Inflatoplane was donated to the Ohio Museum of Flight at the International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. Rate of climb was 550 ft per min. We did inflate it a couple years ago but the pictire was on an old phone. This continuous pressure supply enabled the aircraft to have a degree of puncture resilience, the testing of airmat showing that it could be punctured by up to six .30 calibre bullets and retain pressure.[2][3]. Designed and built in only 12weeks, the Goodyear Inflatoplane was built in 1956, with the idea that it could be used by the military as a rescue plane to be dropped in a hardened container behind enemy lines. This incredible plane was sent in by a reader and Im amazed that weve only given just a passing mention of it. I do fly helicopters. Close examination of the point of impact revealed that only one wire had been broken in the crash, amounting to about 50 cents worth of damage. This plane is the real deal. Review and Buy used cars online at OOYYO. The aircraft was designed for short take offs and landings and was supposed to appeal to the United States Military. The aircraft used a 60-hp McCulloch 4318 engine that was also hand-started. He managed to land safely. A 60-hp engine replaced the 40-hp version, giving the new model more takeoff power. I am testing the waters so shoot offers. it is only in its inflated form only. Inflation took about 6 minutes. McDaniel wanted to cancel the demonstration and take the plane back to his shop to rerig the control system, but a photographer who had missed the landing insisted on one more attempt. There were two versions of the Inflatoplane, The GA-466, which was the the two-seater version, and featured more powerful 60 horsepower engine, and this example, which is a GA-468, the single seat version. It landed in 350 ft on sod. Rate of climb was 550feet per minute. Its cruise speed was 60 mph. The Inflatoplane's performance was comparable to that of a a J3 Cub. It held air perfectly. You can google it and do all the research so im not going to go into it. It seems like a good idea on paper. The first Inflatoplane, GA-33, was a single-seat model similar to the McDaniel glider. With the wings flapping because of loss of air, one of the aluminum wing tip skids hit the pilot in the head, as was clear from marks on his helmet. Best prices and best deals for Mercedes Benz cars in Munich. You can buy it now for $250,000.00!! Magnificent Men and their Flying Machines. After a number of planes were built, in the fall of 1959, Goodyear ceased production and canceled the project "forever," according to a company spokesman at the time. Its service ceiling was estimated at 10,000 ft. Twelve Inflatoplanes were designed and built in less than twelve weeks. Designed and built in only 12 weeks, the Goodyear Inflatoplane was built in 1956, with the idea that it could be used by the military as a rescue plane to be dropped in a hardened container behind enemy lines. It landed in 350 feet on sod. The GA-466 was the two-seater version, 2in (51mm) shorter, but with a 6ft (1.8m) longer wingspan than the GA-468. The Russians and the British both tried their hands at their own inflatable planes. Lucky for those who get to see this plane. The damage? original configuration, leaving the glider intact. The US Army was particularly open to new ideas and sponsored development of the Inflatoplane (sometimes called the Inflatibird). For more plots to buy, click below on "more results". Twelve Inflatoplanes were built. Take off distance on sod was 250 ft with 575 ft needed to clear a 50-foot obstacle. All Rights Reserved. The GA-468s, the Army Transportation Corps began development on December 14-17, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria, This lot is closed for bidding. The engine features a built-in air compressor in order to keep the plane inflated in flight. A total of 12 prototypes were built between 1956 and 1959, and testing continued until 1972, when the project was finally cancelled. CONDITION: The consigner has provided a condition report from the last time the aircraft was assembled and later packed into storage. It could be packed into a 44 cubic foot container and transported by truck, jeep trailer or aircraft. Back in 1931, HistoryNet notes, Taylor McDaniel would patent what is considered to be the first inflatable plane. [1] The flight test program had a fatal crash when Army aviator Lt. "Pug" Wallace was killed. The Inflatoplane carried a maximum weight of 240 lb., had a range of 390 mi., and an endurance of 6.5 hr.s. Its neat @Eagle92Lightning, Thanks guys @AerialFighterSnakes @Trainzo, Yeah, it had to be that way. An extensive evaluation program of the new model followed, including wind tunnel testing at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. In consequence, the overstressed wing bent up into the propeller, tearing a hole and releasing the air pressure. 1956. . . . We did inflate it a couple years ago but the pictire was on an old phone. A pilot would then hand-start the two-stroke cycle,[1] 40 horsepower (30kW) Nelson engine, and takeoff with a maximum load of 240 pounds (110kg). Yet another missing document: GAC letter X52-764 to ONR, dated 11 November 1960. This leaves us with Goodyear Aircraft Corporation. His parachute never opened. Other possible uses included airborne reconnaissance and support for ground operations. Designated the GA-33, the Inflatoplane was built and flown in a little over 12 days. Single seat Goodyear INFLATO-PLANE. Of course, what they really wanted to do was build rubber aeroplanes and they got their chance in the 1950s. Goodyear claimed it was 'suitable for all types of Army field operations, particularly reconnaissance'. This example is accompanied by several original and reprinted manuals which exhibit blemishes that are typical of old paper. Structural integrity was retained in flight with forced air being continually circulated by the aircraft's motor. Above: a soldier inflating the GA-466, which could be inflated in about 10 minutes. Ok I am listing my 1955? [6] A fourth is in storage at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. The GA-468 was a single-seater. of Soviet military history. large tow plane would pull three loaded gliders to a destination, where they would be cut loose, land and unload. THIS IS FOR THE GUY WHO HAS EVERYTHING Ok I am listing my 1955. After making a few control adjustments, an experienced glider pilot and friend of McDaniel's, Joseph P. Bergling, flew the glider four more times that same day. The X-Plane modeled here is number one of twelve variants. To improve on structural stability, the Inflatoplanes used Goodyears Airmat that consisted of joined layers of inflatable rubber-coated nylon fabric shaped by thousands of nylon threads. When you splash your cousin at the beach and they declare war: Copyright 2019. Favorites 0 History 0 Compare 0. If I am not mistaken it was an attempt to develop a troop delivery aircraft for a small cost by the USAAC. 12 various test models were built, and the. A friend of my father is actually an arms dealer and was going to try to trade it with the US army for a blackhawk helicopter (not kidding) but it hasnt come to fruition. He never even managed to open his parachute. It must be admitted that the Goodyear Aircraft Company Goodyear has always had relentless research and innovation. Rate of climb was 550 ft per min. The aircraft was designed for short take offs and landings and was supposed to appeal to the United States Military. I was joking also saying we should make a inflatable airplane, went home and looked it up! The inflatable surface of this aircraft was actually a sandwich of two rubber-type materials connected by a mesh of nylon threads, forming an I-beam. The airplane. A rear-mounted 60-hp engine powered it. Classroom Commander Student Adobe Lightroom For Student Lightroom For Students Student Housing Virginia Tech . Robot vacuums, stick vacuums, high-performance mops and more are up to 35% off during this Target deal. The Goodyear Inflatoplane was an experimental aircraft made by the Goodyear Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, well known for the Goodyear blimp. the Download for Mobile button below. It took about five minutes to inflate to about 25psi (170kPa); at full size, it was 19ft 7in (5.97m) long, with a 22ft (6.7m) wingspan. One Designated the M.L. All rights reserved. Overall good. In 1956, Goodyear Aircraft Co. merged its know-how in the building of lighter-than-air craft with its knowledge of fixed-winged aircraft and came up with an innovative, inflatable airplane that it called the Inflatoplane. Yep! The plane is being stored in one of our heated hangars and can be see anytime although it just looks like a pile of rubber.lol. Two-seat variant has a 60-hp McCulloch engine. Single seat Goodyear INFLATO-PLANE. Then the plane went into a spin and the left wing seemed to deflate. After a flight, the wing A single 40-horsepower Nelson H-59 engine would then help expand the plane to its full size. It landed in 350 ft on sod. The Inflatoplane carried a maximum weight of 240 lb., had a range of 390 mi., and an endurance of 6.5 hr.s. The rubber plane seemed promising and soon the idea was pitched to the public for recreational use. To improve on structural stability, the Inflatoplanes used Goodyear's Airmat that consisted of joined layers of inflatable rubber-coated nylon fabric shaped by thousands of nylon threads. Specifications for Goodyear GA-466 Inflatoplane Crew: 1 Capacity: 1 passenger Length: 19 ft 2 in Wingspan: 28 ft Height: 4 ft Loaded weight: 740 lb Powerplant: 1 McCulloch 4318 air-cooled, 60 hp Performance Maximum speed: 70 mph Range: 275 mi Service ceiling: 6,500 ft Rate of climb: 500 ft/min Inflatable Plane - Goodyear Inflatoplane Watch on Left: We see the Goodyear Inflatoplane Packed up. Review and Buy used Mercedes Benz cars online at OOYYO. This new model was designated the GA-468. Its cruise speed was 60 mph. could be deflated, rolled up into a bag, packed into the small fuselage and towed away behind a vehicle. Software Copyright 2004- In 1956, four years after McDaniels death, the company designed and built 12 Inflatoplanes over the course of 12 weeks, notes the Smithsonian. The museum is now closed, and the GA-33 is currently in storage in the Columbus area. This auction is not b.s. Goodyear donated two Inflatoplanes for museum display at the end of the project, one to the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and one to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.[5][failed verification] Another is on display at the Stonehenge Air Museum in Fortine, Montana. This last Lessons from History is a platform for writers who share ideas and inspirational stories from world history. Powered by a single, two-stroke, 42-hp, Nelson engine mounted behind the pilot and above the wing after inflation. If you are on mobile, then try requesting the mobile version of the site. Its cruise speed was 55 mph, stall speed 43 mph, and maximum speed 70 mph. But when the Great Depression hit the United States in 1931 and 1932, paralyzing the aviation industry, it became next to impossible to raise money for further development. Its service ceiling was estimated at 10,000 ft. An Inflatoplane could even take some arms fire as the engine also worked to keep the craft inflated. On January 11, McDaniel scheduled another test flight and press demonstration for newsreel companies, newspaper reporters and photographers. Designed and built in only 12 weeks, the Goodyear Inflatoplane was built in 1956, with the idea that it could be used by the military as a rescue plane to be dropped in a hardened container behind enemy lines. Its not going to be cheap though so please dont waste my time. After all, theyd have to fly through the same area they got shot down in but in a slower, weaker aircraft. Using a high-grade rubberized fabric similar to the material in life rafts, Britain's M.L. The README has photos of the real aircraft. 2,409 used Mercedes Benz cars for sale from Munich. [7] A fifth is in storage with the Ohio Historical Society in Columbus, Ohio. Weighing 205 lbs (93 kg) empty, it carried a fuel tank of 20 gallons. Specifications (Goodyear GA-468 Inflatoplane (XAO-3-GI)), CBS quiz show "I've Got a Secret" 1956 Goodyear engineer J Thomas Blair demonstrates the Inflatoplane, "Summary: Report of the development of a one place inflatoplane", Aircraft Finder for Goodyear AO (Inflatoplane), GA486 at Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Goodyear_Inflatoplane&oldid=1152255216, 1950s United States experimental aircraft, 1950s United States military rescue aircraft, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from March 2019, Articles with failed verification from February 2022, Aircraft specs templates using more general parameter, Aircraft specs templates using more performance parameter, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Goodyear GA-447 Inflatoplane at the Akron, Ohio test area, This page was last edited on 29 April 2023, at 03:31. The two-cycle 40-hp Nelson engine had to be hand-started and held 20 gallons of fuel. Rate of climb was 550 feet per minute. As the above Mustard video notes, there were already doubts that an inflatable plane was really a good way to extract a downed pilot. I am in the airplane business and have an FBO at the Reading airport in Pennsylvania. Inflatable Plane - Goodyear Inflatoplane Trost Outdoors 1.35K subscribers Subscribe 339 50K views 9 years ago The Inflatoplane's performance was comparable to that of a a J3 Cub. six minutes. Think of Goodyear and one inevitably thinks of "The Goodyear Blimp." The Goodyear Inflatoplane was an inflatable experimental aircraft made by the Goodyear Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Its service ceiling was estimated at 10,000 ft. Consider a fighter jet crashed deep inside enemy territory. It is NOT dry rotted whatsoever. The original concept of an all-fabric inflatable aircraft was based on Taylor McDaniel's inflatable rubber glider experiments in 1931. It wasn t as bad an idea as you d think The Goodyear Inflatoplane. JalopRecs | 'Tommy Boy' Is One of the Best Car Comedies of the '90s, Rainn Wilson is Tired of Tesla and its Yoke, Racing Tech | How F1 Sanctions Wind Tunnel Testing for Close Racing. | SimpleAuctionSite | All rights reserved. The engine does not run but appears to be intact. Rate of climb was 550 ft per min. The objective is to promote history on Medium and demonstrate the value of historical writing. Okay The concept of rubber planes date back a century as Aviators have long been enamored with the idea of a plane that didnt kill its occupants in a crash. The test pilot suffered only a bruised right heel and a twisted left knee. The Goodyear Inflatoplane was an inflatable experimental aircraft made by the Goodyear Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, well known for the Goodyear blimp. This is literally one of a kind. He plunged to his death in a marshy area near the lake. Maybe you have something of equal value? This airplane also could take off of water, my version is the 3 wheeled (platform). Testing of a single- and two-seat version carried on into the 1970s, but no orders were ever forthcoming. This. The aircraft is in storage at the Garber Restoration Facility. Best prices and best deals for cars in Munich. @Eagle92Lightning. The Goodyear Inflatoplane was an experimental aircraft made by the Goodyear Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, well known for the Goodyear blimp. All Rights Reserved. The airplane was wheeled out like a wheelbarrow and inflated in about 5 minutes using less air pressure than a car tire. Although it seemed an improbable project, the finished aircraft proved to be capable of meeting its design objectives, although . The two-cycle 40-hp Nelson engine had to be hand-started and held 20 gallons of fuel. The design was to provide for an inflatable rubber airplane that could be used for military purposes. While both reportedly worked, neither project got off of the ground. You can google it and do all the research so im not going to go into it. The airplane was wheeled out like a wheelbarrow and inflated in about 5 minutes using less air pressure than a car tire. This was just sitting around, so here it is. Its cruise speed was 60 mph. The 40- foot wing had no internal bracing, relying instead on air pressure to maintain a stiff aerodynamic form. It flew again the next week for the press and during a second flight test it slammed into the ground. It held air perfectly. I was going to display it but never got around to it. I am testing the waters so shoot offers. The Goodyear Inflatoplane was designed and built in only 12 weeks in 1956. Goodyear also built most of the components for the WWII night fighter, the P-61 Black Widow, as well as many blimps during the Second World War for the U.S. Navy's antisubmarine patrol. Powered by a single, two-stroke, 42-hp, Nelson engine mounted behind the pilot and above the wing after inflation. The range was 275 miles with an endurance of 5.4 hours.
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