Goodyear Inflatoplane

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

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. Although it seemed an improbable project, the
finished aircraft proved to be capable of meeting its design objectives,
although orders were never forthcoming from the military. A total of 12
prototypes were built between 1956 and 1959, and testing continued until 1972,
when the project was finally cancelled.

The original concept of an all-fabric inflatable aircraft was based on Taylor
McDaniel's inflatable rubber glider experiments in 1931. 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. The 44 cubic ft (1.25 cubic meter) container could
also be transported by truck, jeep trailer or aircraft. 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. When the nylon was exposed to
air, it absorbed and repelled water as it stiffened, giving the aircraft its
shape and rigidity. Structural integrity was retained in flight with forced air
being continually circulated by the aircraft's motor. 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.

There were at least two versions: The GA-468 was a single-seater. It took about
five minutes to inflate to about 25 psi (170 kPa); at full size, it was 19 ft 7
in (5.97 m) long, with a 22 ft (6.7 m) wingspan. A pilot would then hand-start
the two-stroke cycle, 40 horsepower (30 kW) Nelson engine, and takeoff with a
maximum load of 240 pounds (110 kg). On 20 US gallons (76 L) of fuel, the
aircraft could fly 390 miles (630 km), with an endurance of 6.5 hours. Maximum
speed was 72 miles per hour (116 km/h), with a cruise speed of 60 mph. Later, a
42 horsepower (31 kW) engine was used in the aircraft.

Takeoff from turf was in 250 feet with 575 feet needed to clear a 50-foot
obstacle. It landed in 350 feet. Rate of climb was 550 feet per minute. Its
service ceiling was estimated at 10,000 ft.

The GA-466 was the two-seater version, 2 in (51 mm) shorter, but with a 6 ft
(1.8 m) longer wingspan than the GA-468. A more powerful 60 horsepower (45 kW)
McCulloch 4318 engine could power the 740 pounds (340 kg) of plane and passenger
to 70 miles per hour (110 km/h), although the range of the plane was limited to
275 miles (443 km).


Role
Experimental aircraft

Manufacturer
Goodyear Aircraft Company

First flight
13 February 1956

Primary user
United States Army

Produced
1955–1962

Number built
12

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 (544 mbar),
less than a car tire. The flight test program had a fatal crash when Army
aviator Lt. "Pug" Wallace was killed. The aircraft was in a descending turn when
one of the control cables under the wing came off the pulley and was wedged in
the pulley bracket, locking the stick. The turn tightened until one of the wings
folded up over the propellor and was chopped up. With the wings flapping because
of loss of air, one of the aluminum wing tip skids hit the pilot alongside the
head, as was clear from marks on his helmet. Wallace was pitched out over the
nose of the aircraft and fell into the shallow lake. His chute never opened. He
may have been knocked unconscious and rendered unable to open it. Only 12
Goodyear Inflatoplanes were built, but development continued until the project
was cancelled in 1973

Variants

GA-33 InflatoplaneThe initial single-seat version, with open cockpit, based on
the Taylor McDaniel inflatable rubber glider experiments from the early 1930s.
One built.

GA-447 InflatoplaneAn enclosed cockpit and new wing, used for undercarriage
experiments (tricycle, uniwheel, and hydroskid). One built.

GA-466 InflatoplaneCompany designation for the AO-2 Inflatoplane

GA-468 InflatoplaneCompany designation for the AO-3 Inflatoplane

XAO-2-GI InflatoplaneMilitary designation for the GA-466. One built.

XAO-3-GI InflatoplaneMilitary designation for the GA-468. Five built.

Specifications (Goodyear GA-466 Inflatoplane)

General characteristics
Crew: 1
Capacity: 1 passenger
Length: 19 ft 2 in (5.97 m)
Wingspan: 28 ft (8.53 m)
Height: 4 ft (1.22 m)
Loaded weight: 740 lb (336 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × McCulloch 4318 air-cooled, 60 hp (45 kW)

Performance
Maximum speed: 70 mph (113 km/h)
Range: 275 mi (440 km)
Service ceiling: 6,500 ft (1,981 m)
Rate of climb: 500 ft/min (2.53 m/s, 152 m/min)



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