SEEING airplanes gliding gracefully in the sky, the question often arises: who actually created this “iron bird”? How can humans conquer space?
An airplane is a means of air transportation that is capable of flying through the atmosphere, utilizing engines and lifting force from interaction with the air. Let’s explore together the fascinating history behind the “iron birds” that have changed the way we explore the world.
Since prehistoric times, humans’ longing to fly has inspired much imagination and innovation. When humans first observed birds soaring freely in the sky, a dream was born to emulate the grace of flight.
From various attempts that often ended tragically, we come to a long, colorful history of aviation, a journey from dream to reality that now leads to space exploration.
To commemorate National Aviation Day, let’s look back at the history of aviation.
Early Start of Flight
The history of aviation is a story of courage and perseverance. From ancient records to striking experiments, attempts to get airborne have been a recurring theme in many cultures. In mythology, flight is often associated with higher beings, reflecting humans’ deep desire to overcome physical limitations. However, who actually flew first in a heavier-than-air vehicle?
Abbas Ibn Firnas: Pioneer of Aviation
Maybe not many people know, but Abbas Ibn Firnas, an Andalusian scientist from the 9th century, could have been the first aviator in history. Known as a pioneer of aviation, he built wooden wings covered in silk and feathers.
At 875, he jumped from a height in Cordoba and glided for about 10 seconds before falling, breaking his leg. However, his name is immortalized in various forms, including craters on the moon and airports in Iraq.
Leonardo da Vinci
As time went by, the desire to fly gave rise to innovative ideas. Leonardo da Vinci, a Renaissance genius, created the design of the Ornithopter, a flying device that imitated the movement of a bird’s wings. Although he never managed to fly it, the aerodynamic concepts he developed became the foundation for modern aviation.
The Montgolfier Brothers and the Hot Air Balloon
A transformation in aviation history came from the Montgolfier Brothers Jaques and Joseph who, in 1783, introduced the hot air balloon. This discovery came about accidentally while they were playing with a paper bag over a fire. Their first public demonstration lifted a 226 kilogram balloon to a height of 1,600 to 2,000 meters. Shortly thereafter, they launched the first manned flight in Paris, marking an important milestone in aviation history.
The Modern Era of Aviation
Towards the 19th century, experiments to build flying machines increasingly developed. Otto Lilienthal, a German engineer, contributed significantly with more than 2,000 glider experiments. He was the first person to fly regularly using a glider and is known as the “Father of the Glider.” Unfortunately, he suffered a fatal accident in 1896, but his legacy lives on in every flight that followed.
The Wright Brothers: Pioneers of Modern Aviation
Of all the pioneers of aviation, none are more famous than Wilbur and Orville Wright. On December 17, 1903, they made a historic flight in Flyer I at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Although the first flight only lasted 12 seconds and covered a distance of 36 meters, it marked the birth of modern aviation. With the innovative designs and engines they developed, the Wright brothers paved the way for the air transportation revolution we enjoy today.
The history of aviation is not just about who flew first, but about the long journey of mankind pursuing the dream of being in the air. From Abbas Ibn Firnas to the Wright brothers, every effort and innovation has formed the foundation for today’s aviation industry. The longing to fly continues, now extending into outer space, promising more discoveries and adventures in the future. (360 Aviation Life/Z-3)
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