Local history: Akron’s inflatable airplane is oddity of sky in 1950s
Goodyear Aircraft introduced a two-seat model of the Inflatoplane in 1957. After 10 minutes of inflation, it could reach 16,000 feet at 80 mph. (Beacon Journal file photo)
Goodyear Aircraft test pilot Richard Ulm puts the Inflatoplane prototype through its paces in 1956 near Wingfoot Lake in Suffield Township. Made of rubberized nylon fabric, the plane pumped up like a tire and folded up in a bundle after use. (Beacon Journal file photo)
