Unconventional Aviation: Nemeth Parasol - The Aircraft Breaking Flight Barriers
The Nemeth Parasol, a remarkable aircraft designed for personal use, took the aviation world by storm in 1934. Conceived by Steven Paul Nemeth, a flight instructor at McCook field in Dayton, Ohio, this innovative aircraft boasted a circular wing design that set it apart from the conventional fixed-wing aircraft of its time.
The Nemeth Parasol's unique wing structure, resembling an umbrella or even a UFO when flown, was designed to provide lift and stability in a novel way. This unconventional approach to aerodynamics was a rare design choice during the early 20th century, marking the Nemeth Parasol as a notable example of experimental aviation innovation in the 1930s.
During its test flight, the Nemeth Parasol reached a speed of 135 miles per hour, an impressive feat for an experimental aircraft. The aircraft's circular wing also functioned as a parachute during landing, slowing the plane down to a safe 25 miles per hour. This was made possible by the addition of two ailerons at the rear of the plane, which helped the Nemeth Parasol land safely at slow speeds.
The Nemeth Parasol was a taildragger, featuring a tailwheel or tail skid as the landing gear. Its main body was constructed from an Alliance Argo biplane to improve its performance during takeoff. The plane remained balanced during the flight, and the pilot could control it effectively at low speeds, making it "stall-proof" and "fool-proof", as reported by reporters.
The first model of the Nemeth Parasol was built by students at Miami University. After its successful test flight, the aircraft gained some recognition in popular newspapers and magazines such as Modern Mechanix and Popular Science. However, despite its initial success, the Nemeth Parasol never became a commercial success and eventually faded into obscurity.
Despite this, the Nemeth Parasol left a lasting impact on the aviation industry. Its unique design influenced the creation of some experimental military aircraft models, such as the Sack AS-6, "the Flying Flapjack", Avrocar, and other unconventional designs. The Nemeth Parasol's inventor, Steven P. Nemeth, successfully stalled the aircraft in the air with its motor off, demonstrating its innovative design and control capabilities.
In the grand scheme of aviation history, the Nemeth Parasol stands as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of early aircraft designers. Its unique circular wing design and successful test flight marked it as the world's first round-winged aircraft to fly with adequate consistency. While it may not have achieved commercial success, the Nemeth Parasol remains an important chapter in the history of experimental aviation.
[1] "Nemeth Parasol." National Air and Space Museum. Smithsonian Institution. https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/nemeth-parasol [2] "The Nemeth Parasol." Aviation History Online. https://www.aviationhistoryonline.com/aircraft-features/the-nemeth-parasol-1934/
The unique circular wing design of the Nemeth Parasol, a remarkable aircraft, influenced the creation of certain experimental military aircraft models, such as the Sack AS-6, Avrocar, and other unconventional designs in the realm of aviation technology. The successful test flight of the Nemeth Parasol, showcasing its innovative design and control capabilities, garnered attention not just within the aviation industry, but also in finance, as it inspired further investment in such experimental projects.
