December 14-17, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. 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. The aircraft was designed for short take offs and landings and was supposed to appeal to the United States Military. The idea was to design an aircraft which could be dropped behind enemy lines and easily assembled by downed airmen so they could escape and evade through the air rather than risking vulnerable, hovering helicopters. Despite seeming like an unconvincing project, several prototypes were built between 1956 and 1959, and testing continued until 1972, when the project was finally cancelled making this aircraft a rare aviation collectible. 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. The aircraft were tested at Goodyear’s facilities near Akron, Ohio, and the military even expressed interest in the concept, adopting their own design with the designations XAO-2-GI, for the GA-466, and XAO-3-GI, for the GA-468. The testing was ceased after a fatal accident that claimed the life of an Army test pilot. Only 12 Goodyear Inflatoplanes were built, but development continued until the project was cancelled in 1973. There are only a few surviving examples of the Goodyear Inflatoplane, most of which reside in museums. CONDITION: The consigner has provided a condition report from the last time the aircraft was assembled and later packed into storage. The inflatoplane is constructed of a thick rubber material that holds air when it is blown up. The rubber fuselage exhibits scattered small cracks which are typical of old rubber. There are a few areas with small holes that have been taped, but does not interfere with the stability of the aircraft. These aircraft were designed to compensate for leaks since the designers took into account possible damage from enemy gunfire. The engine features a built-in air compressor in order to keep the plane inflated in flight. The inflatoplane has not been cleaned since it was found in a barn 15 years ago. The engine does not run but appears to be intact. The propeller is period correct but not the original to this Inflatoplane. All drive wires are intact and the instrument panel is complete with all original instruments. This example is accompanied by several original and reprinted manuals which exhibit blemishes that are typical of old paper. The Inflatoplane is not airworthy and should only be used for display purposes. This example appears to be complete and could be restored or used as a static display in a museum or aviation enthusiast’s collection. Overall good. JLD
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.Manufacturer
Goodyear Aircraft Company
Paperwork
Manuals (Onsite with Aircraft)