Aircraft - Aviation - Balloons - Helicopters

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

Restrictions Only for United Kingdom

Airfields Ample Average Berkshire Boot Contract Demonstrated Developed Inflated Masters Mattress Minutes Officially Priced Punctured Reconnaissance Refuelling Safe Seconds Slowly Take-off Tiny Towed Tucked Utility Waltham

Features In These Collections

> Contributors > KEY