Making the Falcon 9 reusuable, part 4

Considering the significance of such a feat, it would be well worth the time devoted to it in order to come up with a solution.

For me, this kind of thing is interesting, even if it never gets implemented.  I like to muse over it anyway. My attitude is: what the heck? So, here I am again with another idea.  I am going to make a series out of this, since this is the third post like this.  The last one is here.  The first was here.

The first stage appears to be too heavy to support with inflatable wings.  But wait.  The wings' primary function is not to support the weight of the vehicle, its primary function is to be an airfoil.  So, I would look for ways to reduce mass by using inflatable parts, and use light weight metal, such as titanium as a means of supporting the weight.  If enough mass can be saved this way, then enough mass could be employed in order to support the whole structure as a flying machine.

Where can you find mass savings?  To answer that question, I am reminded of construction techniques used in building skyscrapers.  This was turned into something of an art, which was to use the least amount of mass that would enable the skyscraper to stand.  This is what you need for the rocket stack, only the minimum mass necessary for it to support the weight of the stack.  If that turns out to be less than what is actually being employed, then it may be a potential place to look for savings by using inflatables for an aerodynamic function.

By following JP Aerospace, I heard about some very lightweight materials that may do the job of providing some smooth surfaces which will reduce aerodynamic drag.  These could be placed over the structural skeleton which supports the rocket stack.  Also for wings that would bring the rocket back to the launch site.

Perhaps enough weight savings could be found this way and that would make the rocket flyable.

Update:

Here is a fourth post here.