System for lifting and transporting an aircraft

A system for lifting and transporting a disabled aircraft, the system comprising:

• a) a towable, movable platform configured to support the disabled aircraft, the platform comprising:
• i) an upper surface and a lower surface;
• ii) a plurality of hook-ups for attaching ties to the aircraft;
• b) a support made of a rigid material and having an upper surface and a lower surface configured for placement on a ground surface;
• c) a lower inflatable airbag system configured to raise the platform and an aircraft supported by the platform, the lower airbag system comprising a single airbag module with a plurality of interior compartments, each compartment capable of being inflated independently of the other compartments, wherein each compartment has edges, and the edges of all the compartments are vertically aligned, the lower inflatable airbag system being configured for placement on the upper surface of the support;
• d) an upper inflatable airbag system directly on the upper surface of the platform for raising a front portion of the aircraft when the upper inflatable airbag system is inflated, the upper airbag system comprising a single airbag module with a plurality of interior compartments, each compartment capable of being inflated independently of the other compartments, wherein each compartment has edges, and the edges of all the compartments are vertically aligned;
• e) wheels configured to be removably coupled to the platform so that the raised platform with the aircraft supported by the platform can be transported;
• f) a tow bar configured to be removably coupled to the platform for towing the platform;
• and
• g) a plurality of ties for removably securing the aircraft to the platform with the hookups;
• wherein when both the upper and lower inflatable airbag systems are deflated, and the wheels are not positioned to contact the ground surface, the system has a height that is 12 inches or less for fitting beneath the disabled aircraft, and when the lower inflatable airbag system is inflated, the platform is about 20 inches to about 30 inches above the ground surface.