Every now and then something rolls through my inbox that makes me stop and say “that’s really cool!” The Air Armor Tech inflatable gun cases are one of those products that made me take notice. The use of an airbag style case is an innovative take on protecting valuable firearms that stemmed from an air padded fighter pilot helmet case.

The developer of the collapsible air padded was convinced by fellow pilots to adapt the padded helmet case for rifles and optics that have the ability to be packed down to 15% of the inflated size. The new case is available in two sizes that are 42″ or 52″ long depending on the model.

So how small do they get? 18″x9″ for the 52″ long gun case and 17″x8″ when you roll the mid-length 42″ case up.

The cases are also reasonably lightweight at 7 pounds for the 42″ version and 8 pounds for the 52″ model when compared to the standard 12 pound Plano two rifle case that so many shooters use. Air Armor Tech uses 1,000 denier nylon for the outer shell, a lighter weight 500 denier nylon for the inner shell and an even lighter weight 200 denier urethane-coated material for the air bladder. Also included is MOLLE attachment points on the outside of the case, a reinforced muzzle pocket, inner pockets for a pistol as well as accessories, and an integrated backpack system. They even made sure that the buckles that keep the case closed are mil-spec as is the YKK zipper.

So what does one of these bad ass cases MSRP at? You are going to have to part with $499 for the 42″ version and add another $50 for the larger 52″ case. If you are still interested in these cool cases, check out the Air Armor Tech website.