May 05, 1957 - The Pump-It-Up Plane Takes To The Air. The Strange Looking M.L. Utility - MK I: Officially known as the ML Utility Mark One - the baby aircraft - developed for military reconnaissance from tiny airfields - by the M.L. Aviation Company under contract to the Supply Ministry - was to be seen in the air at White Waltham, Berkshire, yesterday. The machine could become Mr. Everyman's plane of the future. It can be towed by a small car - with the inflated wings tucked into the boot. The wings can be inflated in ten minutes and deflatedin ten seconds
Image details
Contributor:
Keystone Press / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
E0PYTJFile size:
71 MB (1.4 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
5557 x 4466 px | 47 x 37.8 cm | 18.5 x 14.9 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
5 May 1957Photographer:
KEYSTONE Pictures USAMore information:
This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.
May 05, 1957 - The Pump-It-Up Plane Takes To The Air. The Strange Looking M.L. Utility - MK I: Officially known as the ML Utility Mark One - the baby aircraft - developed for military reconnaissance from tiny airfields - by the M.L. Aviation Company under contract to the Supply Ministry - was to be seen in the air at White Waltham, Berkshire, yesterday. The machine could become Mr. Everyman's plane of the future. It can be towed by a small car - with the inflated wings tucked into the boot. The wings can be inflated in ten minutes and deflatedin ten seconds. Known by many as the ''Flying Mattress'' - the machine was demonstrated by 35 year old David Masters from Manchester. Priced about the same as an average family car - the aircraft can take-off after a 90 yard run - and cruise at 50 m.p.h.for 125 miles without refuelling. But - the wings are not punctureproof - but if punctured they deflate very slowly - giving ample time for a safe landing. Photo shows View of the strange looking machine during the flight at White Waltham yesterday. (Credit Image: Keystone Pictures USA/ZUMAPRESS)