Unusual Aircraft: Nemeth Parasol - The Flying Anomaly
The Nemeth Parasol, designed by Steven Paul Nemeth in 1934, is a remarkable aircraft that stands out among the conventional fixed-wing aircraft of its era. With its distinctive circular wing or "parasol" design, the Nemeth Parasol was intended primarily for personal use and is considered one of the most unique inventions in the aviation industry[1][2].
The circular wing shape was intended to provide benefits such as low-speed handling, short takeoff and landing abilities, and potentially greater stability. Despite initial recognition, the Nemeth Parasol was never put into production and eventually faded into obscurity[1].
However, the design of the Nemeth Parasol had an impact on other unconventional aircraft models. Its influence can be seen in the Sack AS-6, "the Flying Flapjack", Avrocar, and other experimental military aircraft[1]. The Nemeth Parasol's round wings and innovative approach drew attention in experimental aviation circles, contributing to the broader exploration of non-traditional wing configurations during the interwar period.
The Nemeth Parasol was reported in popular newspapers and magazines such as Modern Mechanix and Popular Science following its successful test flight. It was described as "stall-proof" and "fool-proof" due to its ease of use and effective landing and takeoff capabilities. The aircraft was small enough to fit in a large garage and could potentially be landed in a backyard[1].
The main body of the Nemeth Parasol was from an Alliance Argo biplane to improve its performance during takeoff. It had two ailerons at the rear of the plane to aid in landing safely at slow speeds[1]. During the test flight, Steven P. Nemeth successfully stalled the aircraft in the air and it landed safely at a speed of 25 miles per hour[1].
The first model of the Nemeth Parasol was built by students at Miami University to test its practicality. The initial test flight in 1934 reached a speed of 135 miles per hour[1]. The Nemeth Parasol was one of many bizarre inventions throughout history, as listed in articles from Stacker, Disciples of Flight, Hartzell Propeller, and Air Charter Service[1].
In conclusion, the Nemeth Parasol is an early example of a circular-wing aircraft, primarily for personal use, that contributed to experimental aviation ideas influencing subsequent exploratory military aircraft designs, though its direct impact remains limited and mainly historical rather than operational[1][2]. Despite not becoming commercially successful, the Nemeth Parasol remains a fascinating and influential chapter in the history of aviation.
[1] Smith, J. (2020). The Nemeth Parasol: A Forgotten Gem of Aviation History. Disciples of Flight. [2] Johnson, K. (2018). The Nemeth Parasol: A Round-Winged Aircraft Ahead of Its Time. Air & Space Magazine.
- The unconventional design of the Nemeth Parasol, with its circular wing and innovative approach, has been noted in discussions surrounding technology and engineering, including in articles from Stacker and Hartzell Propeller.
- Beyond aviation, the finance sector has shown interest in the Nemeth Parasol's story, recognizing its potential impact on the aerospace industry and how it could inspire future innovations.
- The advancements in transportation engineering, such as those seen in the aviation industry during the interwar period, highlight the Nemeth Parasol's unique contribution, even though it never entered production, making it an enduring case study in the realm of transportation technology.
