One version was apparently inflated by adding water to special pellets which produced gas. Another version says the engine itself, sans prop, pumped the plane up. Either way, it quickly became airworthy and, as a raft as well, could use a body of water as a takeoff strip.

One of the agents involved told the Spycraft authors that it was a viable invention: "We tested it and it worked out pretty good." He admits, though, that the project was killed, probably because of "politics." When a similar crisis emerged later on, the agent thought to pull it out of storage and put it to work, but by then, it had rotted and cracked in a secret CIA warehouse. (They probably shouldn't have put it right next to the Arc of the Covenant.) [More CIA Spytech from the Spycraft Book]

Break Down
Break Down

So when you're lonely, when you're all alone
Just call Mr T on the tel-e-phone
Dial 2 1 7 5 3 0 9
And you'll hear Mr T on the line

It won't really be me of course
But it also won't be some talk-ing horse
The Mr. T tape will quell your worries
OK I gotta go, I'm in a hurry.

Break Down
Break Down

[dailyrecord via luxurylaunches]

I reckon you wouldn't even notice a broken leg on the way down the mountain, because the air would cushion you so much it would feel like you were descending on your own bed. [Yanko]

When not in use, it can be folded into a compact size or slid between the screen and keyboard of your laptop when closed. It may be a little weird from a tactile perspective, but I can see this idea becoming a reality. Although smokers with weak lungs may have a problem with it. [Yanko Design]

Unfortunately, the design does have its drawbacks. For one, the inflatable mirrors would be fragile and less efficient than traditional methods due to the unique shape and the effects of wind on the non-rigid frame. So, in reality, the true cost effectiveness of such a set up is still unknown. Still, Cool Earth hopes to make solar power as cheap as non-renewable power within the next three years. [Cool Earth via Eco-Geek]

This baby holds just about enough beers to keep Mark, Chen and me busy for a half-hour or so—24 cans complete with plenty of ice to keep everything frigid. And hey, there are enough cupholders to satisfy the trio and each of our beautiful bikini-clad ladies as well. It's $44.50, beers and babes not included. [Brando, via 7 Gadgets]

That's right, for the sporty gadgeteer who has it all, there's an inflatable 12' x 20' soccer field. Now you can shoulder your opponent (or teammate if you're a jerk) into the boards and have him bounce right back. And if that doesn't get you going, it can go from flat-to-inflated in just 30 seconds with the included air pump

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Two words: Bathtub Racer. We're talking fully motorized bathtub fun (No, not that kind of bathtub fun). For $17,000, you can get yourself 2 racers and an 65'x29' inflatable track. And we're not talking about a stupid little circuit track, this thing is a full on windy course.

Wait, did I just say $17,000? For a motorized Bathtubs and a track? Maybe I'll just wait for one to show up on Craigslist.– Ben Longo

This floating cabana is made of heavy-duty PVC and seats up to six people. With a nylon canopy to protect you from the sun and a tethered 16-quart cooler to keep your tinnies and snacks at the right temperature, it goes perfectly with the remote-controlled poolside drink tray you saw earlier this week. Measurements are 82"x102"x76" (HxWxL) and you and your crew can climb on board as long as you don't tip the scales at over 1,020 pounds.

The $300 inflatable has a hole in the middle (may I reiterate that it is NOT THAT KIND OF BLOW-UP THINGY) for easy access to the water, but the porthole looks so tiny that only the Nicole Richies of the world can fit through. May we suggest one design modification: Make the cabaña remote-controlled, so that your butler can bring you home should you drift too far away from the yacht. – Ad Dugdale

Product Page [Hammacher Schlemmer via New Launches]

The BMW Air Camper inflatable tent is said to be big enough for two adventurous campers. Check out that BMW logo on the side, completing the illusion of swank adventurism. Camping? Maybe this is targeted toward BMW owners who can't keep up with their car payments.

Next up: a cardboard box for Rolls-Royce owners who want to rough it, complete with designer newspaper blankets. – Charlie White

BMW Inflatable Bubble Tent [Coolest Gadgets]

The Ozone Inflatable Lounger is the perfect solution for that problem. Not only is it easy to transport since it's inflatable, but also easy to move, inexpensive ($57), comfortable, and has built in speakers. Best of all the speakers draw their power your DMP of choice or even a TV, so there's no need to use up one of those oh so precious power outlets. – Ben Longo

Ozone Inflatable Lounger [New Launches]

I've spent so much on my home theatre and video games that I actually feel guilty going outside on a nice day. Still, the 12-Foot Inflatable Home Theatre might not be the solution.

The kit includes an inflatable 12-foot (144 inch) screen, repair kit (bad omen), some ground stakes, PVC, plastic ground sheeting and we're bored. In the end, you're getting a functional screen and 30 feet of RCA cable. The fact that it's unnecessarily inflatable will only lead to its eventual demise by stick. But for some, $1299 is a small price to watch sweet, sweet giant gorilla video by the pool. -Mark Wilson

Product Page [via bornrich]

Once inflated, the cloud room is 7.6 x 17.6 x 13 feet, enough space for more than a few adults. Peace and serenity comes at a high price, though, since the cloud room costs $5,900. It's imported from Sweden, though, which automatically makes it Eurocool. – Nicholas Deleon

The Cloud [UrbanPeel.com via Popgadget]

The speakers work differently from garden-variety boom boxes, using what the company calls an "NXT Exciter" to rock sound waves across the entire plastic skin, spewing sound in all directions. They're cheap, at $49.50, and they look cheap, too. Sounds like a lot of hooey.

Product page [via productdose]

Tags: Lazy toys, battery powered flotation device, marketed with picture of guy using armrest beer holder.

Technological Innovation: Two motorized propellers on the bottom.

Overhead quote: "I guess if you can't afford a boat..."

Uses: Buy two of these and play chicken in the swimming pool.

Peripheral Device: Remote controlled floating drink tray.

Nuclear Globe for the Beach [The Cool Hunter]