Quoting:
The saucer was conceived by Peter Nofi, an officer in the Merchant Marine. Nofi, a dedicated student of aerodynamics, has combined the downward jet thrust of the ducted-fan with the proven principle of the high-lift air-foil. We know that the fan will work because using it, men and machines have been lifted bodily into the air by the modest power of outboard engines […]
In line with his low cost philosophy, Nofi plans to have the top and bottom surfaces of his saucer stamped out on a press, using a plastic material reinforced by glass “flock.” This technique, now successfully employed by small boat builders, will also be used on the servo-flaps, fuselage and other components. Cemented together with the internal gas tank spar, plumbing, etc., in place, the hollow wing will then be filled with a foamed plastic compound which cures into a rigid, air-filled sponge. This replaces expensive interior structure and converts the wing into an unsinkable life-ring for emergency water landings.
Mass produced, the plastic saucer should cost no more than today’s medium-priced cars. Could be that by 1965 you’ll have one flying out of your backyard, too!
https://gizmodo.com/hilariously-optimistic-1954-magazine-article-proclaimed-5850833
4 Comments
klu9@piefed.social · 1 pts · 8d
Saucer pooling!
perishthethought@piefed.social · 2 pts · 8d
Ha, just barely. That passenger looks cramped AF.
Korval@lemmy.today · 2 pts · 8d
Plus, according to the copy, he has to clamber over the instrument panel and pilot's seat to get back there.
perishthethought@piefed.social · 1 pts · 8d
Even as a kid, I couldn't see how having tens of thousands of things like this in the air at once could ever work.
Bikes as transportation and mass transit will always be better but that doesn't have as much to sell to people.