What determines the shape of an inflatable structure?

Internal pressure and the configuration of the internal support ribs determine the shape. Unlike rigid parts, the structure takes shape through the interaction of both parameters. Controlling them yields lightweight, low-bulk components such as inflatable fairings, airbag structures and amphibious flotation systems.

What are inflatables used for in recovery?

For inflatable fairings that reduce drag, stabilising shapes for high-descent-rate loads, airbags as impact protection for UAV and UGV platforms, portable landing pads for unmanned aircraft, and amphibious flotation solutions for waterborne operations. We build all parts from military-grade materials with traceable components in our ISO 9001-certified processes.

Product · inflatable structures

Inflatables and drone landing pads

Inflatable structures take their shape from internal pressure and internal support ribs — engineered properly, that yields light, compact parts.

Line drawing: two grid-like layers stacked, with a curved shell above them

A craft of its own

The shape of an inflatable structure emerges from the interaction of internal pressure and rib configuration. Controlling those parameters yields lightweight, low-bulk components for defense, aerospace and special-purpose applications.

Red ultra-lightweight inflatable part being inflated with a blower on a workbench

Typical applications

The range runs from aerodynamics to water landings:

Inflatable fairings that reduce drag and improve stability.
Stabilising shapes for high-descent-rate cargo and falling objects, enhancing safety and control during recovery.
Airbags as impact protection for UAV, UGV and other platforms.
Landing pads for UAVs: portable, durable, for safe unmanned aircraft recovery.
Amphibious inflatables for waterborne operations.
Custom inflatable solutions, engineered for mission-specific defense and security needs.

Line drawing: several inflatable float bodies in a row resting on wave lines

Line drawing: a helicopter above a floating platform with a landing marking on the water

Manufacturing

We build the parts from military-grade materials with fully traceable components in our ISO 9001-certified processes. They are built for rapid deployment, high reliability and operation under the specified environmental conditions — for cargo drops, UAV recovery systems, guided aerial delivery and specialised defense operations.

Laser head with hoses above a pale layer of fabric, its red beam burning a cutting contour; already cut, rounded contours surround it

Close-up of a sewing machine: a metal guide plate holds two layers of fabric while the needle runs a seam along the edge

Source: apcodefense.com (APCO Aviation), as of 25 September 2026.

Inflatables and drone landing pads

A craft of its own

Typical applications

Manufacturing

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