Inflatoplane – why get an eBike when you can have an inflatable plane?

As age and infirmity catch up on me I’ve had to start reconsidering my recreational transport. I’ve even had to fit gears to my bike, but it’s getting to the stage where the dreaded eBike started to look attractive.

Then the other day I remembered an article I read over 60 years ago. Lightweight inflatable planes.

Doesn’t that sounds much more fun?

The plane folded up into a small box and could be made flight ready in minutes. It could probably fit into the back or a largish SUV, and with the growth of SUPs, the basic technology and materials have advanced.

Why don’t we have them yet? After all we have computers on our wrists now, driverless cars, and a 1984 political system in embryo. Who wouldn’t want an inflatable plane that could continue flying with several bullet holes in it?

(I’m posting this here because it’s well known that STW has an expert on everything, and there’s probably someone who knows all about this)

BTW if anyone has the copy of ‘The Eagle’ from the late 1950s or early 60s in which this featured, let me know.

I went down the rabbit hole, and this is what I found.

Pic from warhistoryonline.com

Read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodyear_Inflatoplane

http://www.fiddlersgreen.net/models/aircraft/Goodyear-Inflatoplane.html

YouTube: https://youtu.be/2gGygxDIJX0?si=wbHY2GAgSkYNL-rW

I’d be quite happy with  a Back to the Future style hoverboard.

I’d be keeping some Tyreweld handy.

@thols2
I’d be keeping some Tyreweld handy.

Nah, just empty a (few) bottle of Stan’s in to it……..

Inflatoplane – why get an eBike when you can have an inflatable plane?

because you can’t take the plane on bike trails.

I might have a go at one of those when I finish the Porsche 911 / Citroen DS mash up

Why don’t we have them yet?

pssssssstttttttt weeeeeeeeee, smash

That’s why

What is the worst that could happen eh @worldclassaccident?

because you can’t take the plane on bike trails.

But what about treadmills?

Because we already have more viable options like this jaunty little effort:

or this:

Because getting a pilot’s license isn’t easy.

@mrmonkfinger
Because we already have more viable options like this jaunty little effort:

Many years ago I took one of those for a trial flight. There was no illusion of safety, like you get in a real small plane with a whole 1mm of solid aluminium between you and disaster. :)