Everything Was Bigger Between the Wars

Zeppelins weren’t the only example of huge flying machines. Norman Bel Geddes’ Airliner No.4 is a perfect example of pulp technology. With a 528 foot wingspan, this giant flying wing was designed to carry passengers across the country in the lap of luxury. Although it was never built, all the evidence indicates that this twenty-engine behemoth would have actually flown.

Even though the design was heavier than air, the design had so much empty space that for all practical purposes the interior was air.

It didn’t just carry passengers; its nine decks provided room for over 150 crew, many of whom would have been equally at home in a spa or private gym. Unfortunately, no one ever came up with the money to build it.

That’s the beauty of pulp technology: Nobody could say they were afraid to think big.

Naturally, one was built in Doc’s world; but that’s a story for another day.