Existing comment:
INVENTOR OF THE SCIENCE OF FLIGHT: SIR GEORGE CAYLEY
Born in 1773, Sir George Cayley essentially created the science of flight. Using scientific methods and keeping careful and detailed notes, Cayley became the first to identify the basic problems of heavier-than-air flight, the first to carry out basic aerodynamic research, and the first to discover that curved surfaces produce more lift than flat ones. In addition, he discovered the importance of streamlining and developed methods to balance an aircraft in flight. Before his death in 1857, Cayley built and flew a successful model glider, followed by a full-size, man-carrying glider.
GLIDING PIONEER: OTTO LILIENTHAL
Otto Lilienthal remains the most famous of the glider experimenters. He built his first glider in 1891, and within the next five years, this brilliant German made more than 2,000 glides. His experiments were publicized throughout the world, providing inspiration to others, including the Wright brothers. Sadly, in 1896, a fatal gliding accident cut his work short. |