The Inflexible: The Obscure Giant Aircraft of the 1920s and 1930s

🛩️The Inflexible was a shoulder-winged monoplane with a wingspan of 48 meters, making it one of the largest aircraft of its time.

🔩The aircraft was made of all-metal construction, which was a groundbreaking design feature in the 1920s.

💡Despite its impressive size and design, the Inflexible had low power and poor handling characteristics, limiting its potential.

🔍The Inflexible underwent extensive testing and evaluations, but it failed to secure any production contracts.

🪖️Financial struggles and the Great Depression ultimately led to the closure of the aircraft development branch and the scrapping of the Inflexible.

Why did the Inflexible have low power and poor handling?

—The Inflexible's underpowered engines and large size contributed to its poor handling characteristics, particularly at slow speeds or in unfavorable weather conditions.

Did the Inflexible have any successful flights?

—The Inflexible made one flight in 1928, but it faced challenges with its low power and sluggish performance.

What happened to the Inflexible after its testing phase?

—After failing to secure production contracts and with the onset of the Great Depression, the Inflexible was scrapped in 1931.

What were some unique features of the Inflexible?

—The Inflexible featured an all-metal construction, innovative wing design, and one of the largest landing wheels of its time.

What impact did the Inflexible have on aircraft design?

—The Inflexible demonstrated the feasibility of all-metal aircraft, but its limited success and financial challenges delayed the adoption of modernized British aircraft until the mid-1930s.

00:11Introduction to the Inflexible and its obscurity in available source material.

01:23Overview of the Inflexible's design and features, including its massive size and all-metal construction.

03:36Discussion of the challenges and delays faced during the Inflexible's construction and testing.

06:59Explanation of the Inflexible's underpowered engines and issues with low speed and weather handling.

09:18Mention of financial struggles and the Great Depression leading to the closure of the aircraft development branch and the scrapping of the Inflexible.