![](https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/EC01-0136-11/EC01-0136-11~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1536&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)
EC01-0136-11
The deployable, inflatable wing technology demonstrator experiment separates from its carrier aircraft during a flight conducted by the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. The inflatable wing project represented a basic flight research effort by Dryden personnel. Three successful flights of the I2000 inflatable wing aircraft occurred. During the flights, the team air-launched the radio-controlled (R/C) I2000 from an R/C utility airplane at an altitude of 800-1000 feet. As the I2000 separated from the carrier aircraft, its inflatable wings "popped-out," deploying rapidly via an on-board nitrogen bottle. The aircraft remained stable as it transitioned from wingless to winged flight. The unpowered I2000 glided down to a smooth landing under complete control.
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