Curtiss P-40 Warhawk Guillows Rubber Band Powered Balsa Wood Model Airplane Building Kit

Curtiss P-40 Warhawk Guillows Rubber Band Powered Balsa Wood Model Airplane Building Kit

Guillow Easy Build-By-Number rubber band powered balsa wood airplane model kits are fun to build and fly!
This is a 3/4" scale model made for rubber power. It can be built for 1/2a control line or 1/4a free flight. The fuselage of these models are roomy enough to take currently available mini-size R/C equipment. Plans included, no in- structions supplied. WING SPAN-28"



Assemble a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk "Flying Tiger" World War II Airplane with this authentic 3/4" Scale flying balsa model kit from Guillow's.
Scale model for adult collectors.
FEATURES:
Authentic scale airplane.
Designed to be built as a magnificent static desplay model, a flying rubber powered, gas free flight or a U-Control model!
Complete decal set including decals for "Tiger Shark" insignia.
Light plastic nose cowl and detailed parts.
Rubber motor.
Plastic wheels.
Reinforced wire landing gear.
Plastic propeller and molded canopy.
Razor sharp die-cut balsa parts.
Covering tissue.
Clay is included for balancing the model.
A generous amount of strip stock.
For Gas and U-Control installation: vinyl fire wall, tip guide, bell- crank base and control handle. Push rod wire, bellcrank, elevator horn, hinge material, flying lines and stock for all balsa elevators.

Accurate scale plan and illustrated assembly instructions.
INCLUDES:
One Curtiss P-40 Warhawk Airplane
REQUIRES:
Assembly
Pins & Common Pins
Cement
Hobby Knife
Wax Paper
Fine Sandpaper
Dope
Brush
Flathead Screwdriver
Refer to Instructions for Other Needed Tools
SPECS:
Scale: 3/4" = 1'-0"
Wingspan: 27-7/8" (70.80cm)
COMMENTS:
Motors and radio equipment are not furnished in the kit.

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© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

Messerschmidt Bf-109 Guillows Rubber Band Powered Balsa Wood Model Airplane Building Kit

Messerschmidt Bf-109 Guillows Rubber Band Powered Balsa Wood Model Airplane Building Kit
Messerschmidt Bf-109
Guillow Easy Build-By-Number rubber band powered balsa wood airplane model kits are fun to build and fly!
This kit features true-to-life "action" parts such as movable flying surfaces and sliding canopies. Can be flown by rubber power, control line or by using an mini R/C flight system. Although the fuselage is large enough to take a small R/C system, no specific diagrams or instructions are suppied. WINGSPAN-30 1/4"Assemble Germany's Famous World War II Fighter: Messerschmitt BF-109
with this authentic 3/4" Scale flying balsa model kit from Guillow's.
Scale model for adult collectors.



FEATURES: Authentic scale airplane.
Designed to be built as a magnificent static desplay model, a flying
rubber powered, gas free flight or a U-Control model!
Scale WWII plastic wheels.
Light plastic nose cowls, spinners, gun troughs, exhausts,
and air scoops.
Bubble canopies with window areas clearly defined.
Plastic propeller.
Rubber motor.
Light tissue.
Clean die-cut balsa parts.
Clay is included for balancing the model.
Reinforced wire and vinyl landing gear.
A generous amount of strip and sheet basla stock is provided.
A complete set of beautiful decals.
For Gas and U-Control installation: vinyl fire wall, tip guide, bell-
crank base and control handle. Push rod wire, bellcrank, elevator
horn, hinge material, flying lines and stock for all balsa
elevators.
Accurate scale plan and illustrated assembly instructions.

INCLUDES: One Messerschmitt BF-109 Airplane

REQUIRES: Assembly
Pins & Common Pins
Cement
Hobby Knife
Wax Paper
Fine Sandpaper
Dope
Brush
Flathead Screwdriver
Refer to Instructions for Other Needed Tools

SPECS: Scale: 3/4" = 1'-0"
Wingspan: 24-3/8" (61.91cm)

COMMENTS: Motors and radio equipment are not furnished in the kit.
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© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

Lancer Balsa Model Airplane Kit

Lancer
Wing Span: 24
Min. Age: 10
Guillow Easy Build-By-Number rubber band powered balsa wood airplane model kits are fun to build and fly!
Build by number models - ideal for individual use or for group model building such as in a school class. Each kit contains the right combination of building material and "power package" to assemble an attractive model with good flying ability.
The "Lancer" is a Build-by-Number Balsa Wood Construction Kit from Guillow's.
Rubber Powered Endurance Flyer Suitable for Ages 10 and Older.
A Guillow "Junior Contest" Flying Model Airplane
FEATURES: This Build-by-Number kit offers the first mistake-proof method of con
structing a real contest style flying model. No puzzling questions or guesswork involved!


Ideal for individual use or for group model building such as in a school class.
Rubber powered flyer.
Light weight balsa for top flight performance.
Balanced propeller and power combination for long flights.
Assembled propeller unit.
Two color tissue (when available).
Plastic nose or cheek cowls.
Clay for balancing model.
Colorful Junior Contest Model decals.
Special "fit and cut" method of measuring parts--no fractions to read
All the "whys", "hows", and "whens" are fully explained in the easy-to-follow instructions.
INCLUDES:
One Aircraft Model
REQUIRES:
Assembly
White Glue
Dope
Workboard
Common Pins
Hobby Knife
Refer to Instructions for Other Needed Tools
SPECS:
Wingspan: 24" (60.96cm)
COMMENTS:
Optional...can be gas powered with .020 engine (not included).

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© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

Javilin Guillows Rubber Band Powered Balsa Wood Model Airplane Building Kit

Javilin Guillows Rubber Band Powered Balsa Wood Model Airplane Building Kit

Javilin
Wing Span: 24
Min. Age: 10
Guillow Easy Build-By-Number rubber band powered balsa wood airplane model kits are fun to build and fly!
Build by number models - ideal for individual use or for group model building such as in a school class. Each kit contains the right combination of building material and "power package" to assemble an attractive model with good flying ability.
The "Javelin" is a Build-by-Number Balsa Wood Model Kit from Guillow's.
Rubber Band Powered Endurance Flyer Suitable for Ages 10 and Older.
A Guillow "Junior Contest" Flying Model Airplane
FEATURES:
This Build-by-Number kit offers the first mistake-proof method of constructing a real contest style flying model. No puzzling questions or guesswork involved!
Ideal for individual use or for group model building such as in a school class.
Rubber band powered flyer.
Light weight balsa for top flight performance.
Balanced propeller and power combination for long flights.
Assembled propeller unit.
Two color tissue (when available).
Plastic nose or cheek cowls.
Clay for balancing model.
Colorful Junior Contest Model decals.
Special "fit and cut" method of measuring parts--no fractions to read
All the "whys", "hows", and "whens" are fully explained in the easy-to-follow instructions.
INCLUDES:
One Aircraft Model
REQUIRES:
Assembly
White Glue
Dope
Workboard
Common Pins
Hobby Knife
Refer to Instructions for Other Needed Tools
SPECS:
Wingspan: 24" (60.96cm)
COMMENTS:
Optional...can be gas powered with .020 engine (not included).

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© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

Arrow Guillows Rubber Band Powered Balsa Wood Model Airplane Building Kit

Arrow Guillows Rubber Band Powered Balsa Wood Model Airplane Building Kit




Guillow Easy Build-By-Number rubber band powered balsa wood airplane model kits are fun to build and fly!
"Arrow" is a Build-By-Number Balsa Wood Model Kit from Guillow's.
Scale Model suitable for ages 12 and older.
FEATURES:
This Build-by-Number kit offers the first mistake-proof method of constructing a real contest style flying model. No puzzling questions or guesswork involved!
Contest type airplane flying model.
Arrow is a high climbing, long flying endurance model.
Can be flown with one of three different power sources:
-Rubber Band Power (contents included)
-.020 Gas Engine (information only included)
-Electric Power (information only included)
Light weight balsa for top flight performance.
Balanced propeller and power combination for long flights.
Assembled propeller unit.
Two color tissue (when available).
Plastic nose or cheek cowls.
Clay for balancing model.
Colorful Junior Contest Model decals.
Special "fit and cut" method of measuring parts--no fractions to read
All the "whys", "hows", and "whens" are fully explained in the easy-to-follow instructions.
INCLUDES:
One Aircraft Model
REQUIRES:
Assembly
White Glue
Dope
Workboard
Common Pins
Hobby Knife
Refer to Instructions for Other Needed Tools
SPECS:
Wingspan: 28"
COMMENTS:
This model is an excellent flyer with the Cox .020 Pee Wee engine. Motors and radio equipment are not furnished in the kit.

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© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

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Fairchild 24

Fairchild 24




Guillow Easy Build-By-Number rubber band powered balsa wood airplane model kits are fun to build and fly!
"Fairchild 24" is a Build-by-Number Balsa Wood Construction Kit from Guillow's.
Scale Model Suitable for Ages 10 and Older.
A Guillow "Junior Contest" Flying Model Airplane
FEATURES:
This Build-by-Number kit offers the first mistake-proof method of constructing a real contest style flying model. No puzzling questions or guesswork involved!
Contest type balsa model airplane flying model kit.
Arrow is a high climbing, long flying endurance model.
Can be flown with one of three different power sources:
-Rubber band Power (contents included)
-.020 Gas Engine (information only included)
-Electric Power (information only included)
Light weight balsa for top flight performance.
Balanced propeller and power combination for long flights.
Assembled propeller unit.
Two color tissue (when available).
Plastic nose or cheek cowls.
Clay for balancing model.
Colorful Junior Contest Model decals.
Special "fit and cut" method of measuring parts--no fractions to read All the "whys", "hows", and "whens" are fully explained in the easy-to-follow instructions.
INCLUDES:
One Aircraft Model
REQUIRES:
Assembly
White Glue
Dope
Workboard
Common Pins
Hobby Knife
Refer to Instructions for Other Needed Tools
SPECS:
Wingspan: 25" (63.50cm)
COMMENTS:
Motors and radio equipment are not furnished in the kit

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© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

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Skyraider Guillows Rubber Band Powered Balsa Wood Model Airplane Building Kit

Skyraider Guillows Rubber Band Powered Balsa Wood Model Airplane Building Kit


Skyraider
Wing Span: 17 inches
Scale: 1/24
Min. Age: 10
Guillow Easy Build-By-Number rubber band powered balsa wood airplane model
kits are fun to build and fly!
This outstanding performer carried the firepower of a destroyer, and served for more than 20 years. Conceived in 1944, it made its first flight on March 18, 1945. ATTACK Squadron (VA 55) introduced the ADs to Korean combat on July 3, 1950; with its versatility, weight-lifting capacity (5,000 pounds on a carrier mission) and dive-bombing precision, the ADs became the 37-months-war’s most successful airplane. In Vietnam, Squadron VA 25 brought fame to the Skyraider when two ADs knocked down an attacking MIG 17.
This is an all balsa, rubber powered kit of the Douglas A1H Skyraider. First flown in 1945, this plane was successfully used in both the Korean and the Vietnam Wars.
FEATURES:
All balsa construction with balsa sticks and die-cut parts.
Rubber powered with rubber band included.
Scale markings.
Tissue covered.
INCLUDES:
All balsa parts
Cardboard markings (to be applied with clear dope)
Gray tissue for covering
Propeller
Wooden wheels
Rubber band with propeller shaft and thrust bearing to power the plane.
Landing gear wire
Clear plastic canopy
Plastic spinner and cowl
Plans with instructions and scale information
REQUIRES;
CA Glue Wax paper (we don't carry)
Clear dope (to apply tissue)      Needle nose pliers (we don't carry)
T-pins

Pencil (we don't carry)
Hobby knife                       Metal edge ruler (we don't carry)
Sandpaper
COMMENTS:
The plans that come with this kit are designed for the intermediate or advanced builder (the plans assume that the modeler has built kits before). Guillows recommends that the plane should NOT be painted if the modeler plans on flying this plane (paint will make it too heavy).

© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

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© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

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Fly Boy Balsa Wood Rubber Band Powered Airplane Model Building Kit

Fly Boy Balsa Wood Rubber Band Powered Airplane Model Building Kit

This is the Build-N-Fly Fly Boy Balsa Airplane Kit from Guillows.
This is a Hand Launch Rubber Band Powered Airplane.
Skill Level 4, for expert Builders.
FEATURES:
Balsa construction
Easy to assemble
INCLUDES:
All Balsa to complete the kit
Tissue paper for covering
One 36.9ml bottle of Elmer's glue
One Decal Sheet
One Illustrated Instruction sheet
One "Have Fun Flying" 4101 proof of purchase
One Small sheet of Sandpaper
One Rubber Band
One wire Landing Gear
Two plastic wheels
SPECS:
Wingspan: 355mm
ATTENTION:
Read ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully before assembling the model
WARNING:
It is best to assemble & fly this model under adult supervision
Suitable for ages 8 and over

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© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

Build-N-Fly Cloud Buster Balsa Airplane Kit

Build-N-Fly Cloud Buster Balsa Airplane Kit



This is the Build-N-Fly Cloud Buster Balsa Airplane Kit from Guillows.
This is a Hand Launch Rubber Band Powered Airplane.
Skill Level 3, good third kit.
FEATURES:
Balsa construction
Easy to assemble
INCLUDES:
All Balsa to complete the kit
Tissue paper for Covering.
One 36.9ml bottle of Elmer's glue
One Decal sheet
One Illustrated Instruction sheet
One "Have Fun Flying" 4101 proof of purchase
One Small Sheet of Sandpaper
One Clay Block to use for Balancing
One Rubber Band
One Spool of String
One Prop
One wire Landing Gear
Two plastic wheels
SPECS:
Wingspan: 430mm
ATTENTION:
Read ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully before assembling the model
WARNING:
It is best to assemble & fly this model under adult supervision
Suitable for ages 8 and over
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© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

Cadet Balsa Wood Rubber Band Powered Airplane Model Building Kit

Cadet Balsa Wood Rubber Band Powered Airplane Model Building Kit

This is a Hand Launch Rubber Band Powered Airplane.
Rubber band powered balsa airplane kits are fun to build and fly
Skill Level 2, good Second kit.
FEATURES:
Balsa construction
Easy to assemble
INCLUDES:
All Balsa to complete the kit
Tissue paper
One 36.9ml bottle of Elmer's glue
One Decal sheet
One Illustrated instruction sheet
One "Have Fun Flying" 4101 proof of purchase
One Small Sheet of Sandpaper
One Spool of string
One rubber band
One prop
SPECS:
Wingspan: 355mm
ATTENTION:
Read ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully before assembling the model
WARNING:
It is best to assemble & fly this model under adult supervision
Suitable for ages 8 and over
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© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

Build and Fly Balsa Wood Kits

Build-N-Fly Goldwing Balsa Wood Airplane Model Kit. Learn model airplane building techiques with this educational construction series.
Have fun building balsa gliders with this balsa wood airplane kit. This is a Hand Launch Balsa Glider.
Skill Level 1, easy to assemble.
FEATURES:
Balsa construction
Easy to assemble
INCLUDES:
All Balsa to complete the kit
One 36.9ml bottle of Elmer's glue
One Decal sheet
One Illustrated instruction sheet
One "Have Fun Flying" 4101 proof of purchase
One small Sheet of Sandpaper
One Clay Block to use for nose Weight
SPECS:
Length: 350mm
Wingspan: 290mm
ATTENTION: Read ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully before assembling the model
WARNING:
It is best to assemble & fly this model under adult supervision
Suitable for ages 8 and over

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© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

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Build and Fly Balsa Wood Kits

Build and Fly Balsa Wood Kits

Building and flying balsa wood airplane models is an excellent way to learn about model airplane building and the basics of flying model planes. This is the method of plane building by aviation’s pioneers, and the skill is still basic that hobbyists use to build model planes. The construction techniques for wood model kits are simple, but patience is required to cut, fit, and glue the pieces into place.

The best method to learn to build these plane is to use the Build and Fly Balsa Wood Kits model series from Guillow. This is a four plane series which starts with a simple all balsa glider and proceeds to an all tissue covered rubber band powered airplane. The planes use a build by number system, and teach plane building in easy to learn steps.

The first plane in the series - the Goldwing Trainer Wood Model Kit - assembles in about two hours and is suitable for ages 8 and up. The kit includes glue and detailed instructions. The wingspan of the completed airplane is about eleven inches and will fly about 100 feet. It is an all balsa glider.

The Cadet Airplane Building Kit is the second plane in the series, and is a rubber band powered plane. The kit also includes glue and requires about four hours to build. Also suitable for ages 8 and up, the Cadet has a fourteen inch wingspan and will have flight up to 150 feet. The body is balsa, the wing is a simple tissue covered structure.

The Cloudbuster Balsa Wood Airplane is the third balsa wood airplane in the series, and teaches more complex wing construction. The wing is an airfoil, and features a dihedral angle to give the plane a more stable flight. This wood model kit is suitable for ages 8 and up, and requires about six hours to construct. Rubber band powered flight provides flights up to 175 feet. The glue is included in the kit.

The last plane in the series is the Flyboy, a twenty one inch wingspan plane. The skills obtained building the first three planes are used to build this plane. It will take about eight hours to build, and will provide the longest and best flights of the four models. It is also a rubber powered airplane.

Building stick built planes requires a minimum of tool. These include:
Building board - foam core, fiber board, ceiling tile.




Wax paper
Modeling pins
Hobby knife
Pencil
Glue - white or C/A
Fine grit sandpaper
Ruler
The plan is pinned to the building board. Diagrams in the plan are used to measure the part, which are then cut with a hobby knife. Cover the plan with wax paper, and build the plane in sections right on the plan. The parts are held in place with hobby pins until the glue dries, allowing you to remove the section.

After all the sections of the plane are built, the sections are glued together, forming the plane. The framework is coated with glue, and tissue is stretched and cut over the balsa frame. When the glue is dry, the tissue is sprayed lightly with water. It tightens as it dries, forming a nice, firm skin for the airplane. The plane, after some final construction details, is now ready to fly.

Learning to build and fly these kits will help the modeler learn skills needed to build and fly the larger, more complex radio control airplane kits. Or free flight airplane can form the basis of a lifelong hobby as there are literally hundreds of these kits available to build and fly. Have fun!


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Build-N-Fly Cloud Buster Balsa Airplane Kit

© 2012 Hobby Hobnob
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Fly Boy Balsa Wood Rubber Band Powered Airplane Model Building Kit

© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

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History of the Biplane

History of the Biplane A short history of the Biplane Biplanes were the first airplanes to fly, the Wright Flyer was a biplane called a Canard. The double wings have the advantage of providing more lift than a single wing airplane. The wings were held apart by struts and cables were used to pull the two wings tight to the struts. But the two wings and all those cables also increased drag which tended to limit the speed and manuverability of this type of craft. The biplane was used extensively during World War 1. Larger three and four wing craft were built mostly to be used as bombers. But the developement of better wing structures caused single wing aircraft to become the dominant type of airplane in the 1930's. The first type of biplanes were called "pusher biplanes" because the motor was mounted behind the wing and the prop pushed the airplane along. The original Wright Flyer was such a craft. Just before World War I "tractor biplanes", or planes in which the motor was mounted at the front of the craft were developed. These biplanes engaged in the first aerial dogfights in aviation warfare and produced the first legendary pilots. Now the biplane is seen mostly at airshows, though it still sees service as crop dusters and recreational aircraft. The sight of one of these historic airplanes in the sky is always a welcome sight. History of Flight and Avaition

History of Transportation - A Brief History Of Flight And The Airplane - Part Two

History of Transportation - A Brief History Of Flight And The Airplane - Part Two

In the Nineteenth Century the embryonic science of aviation was a hotbed of activity and the history of flight had some new stories written. Much of the new engine technology which had been developed was applied to try to achieve flight. Compressed air, rubber bands,muscle power, and steam all were tested in aircraft propulsion. All these systems worked, but none were suitable to power a manned craft in sustained, controllable flight.

About four hundred years after Leonardo Da Vinci designed his ornithopter, a gentleman named George Cayley developed some theories of his own about flight. He lived in the period immediately preceding the era when flight was achieved (1773 - 1857). He proved his theories with kites and gliders, earnig the title of ‘the father of aviation’. He designed the helicopter, and most later achievements in flight were based on his work.



Various motions were also tried including flapping wings, paddles, and flappers. None of these motion devices worked with any degree of success.

A few inventive men were willing to try new things. John Stringfellow, in 1848, launched a steam powered machine from a wire. It didn’t fly, but did demonstrate lift and proved that with the proper design and materials a flying craft could be built and was an important developement in the history of flight.

An astronomer named Samuel Pierpont Langley was a bit more successful. Most of his experiments were conducted in and around the year 1896. His steam powered models had a wing span of about 15 feet and flew successfully. These were unmanned models which descended gracefully when the steam engine’s fuel was exhausted.


Also contributing greatly to the final effort were the flights of Otto Lilienthal in Germany. He flew gliders for several years, but was killed in a crash. The Wright brothers studied his progress and he was an important figure in the history of flight.

By the beginning of the twentieth century most of the groundwork had been laid for the achievement of powered, controllable flight. The design work for the first craft was largely worked out and the materials tested. Many propulsion systems had been tried, to no avail. Steam engines were too heavy, and the fuel too inconvenient. Gliders were valuable tools for testing theories, but were too inconsistent, relying on winds which might fail. The improving technology of the gas engine provided the final impetus to the goal. The engine was light and powerful and the fuel was portable.

The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur finally worked out the remaining problems on the sands of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on December 17, 1903. Their achievement was another turning point in human history. Transportation became faster and easier. People could travel long distances over land and water in a single craft. The airplane freed people from land based transportation.

Many pioneers in aviation came after the Wrights. Charles Lindburg and Amelia Earhart are the best known heros in a long list of people who left their mark on the history of flight and transportation in our world.

History of Flight and Avaition

Model Airplanes and The History Of Flight - Aviation History In A Nutshell

Model Airplanes and The History Of Flight - Aviation History In A Nutshell

The ability to fly like a bird is an ancient aspiration of mankind. There are many legendary accounts of men flying, the most famous of which is the Greek legend of Daedalus and Icarus, his son. Daedalus was a famous architect and sculptor, working for King Minos of Crete. He displeased the king, so the king imprisoned Daedalus and his son. Wanting freedom, Daedalus fashioned wings out of wax and feathers. These he put on himself and Icarus so they could fly to freedom. He cautioned Icarus not to fly too close to the sun, but once they were in the air Icarus became enraptured by the flight and flew higher and higher until the sun was close. Too close, because the wax began to melt and the feathers fell out of the wings. Icarus fell to his death in the sea, becoming the first aircraft casualty!

Icarus' fate illustrates the dangers the early aviators faced. Many gave the ultimate sacrifice in giving mankind the gift of flight. The history of aviation is a long story with many chapters. This short account will only attempt the highlights of the history of flight.

Kites were the first aircraft in aviation history, and were flown by the ancient Egyptians and other cultures. The Mysteries Of Nature And Art by John Bates, first published in 1634, includes a woodcut of a man flying a diamond kite.

The first person to take a scientific approach to human flight was Leonardo Da Vinci. His designs included three types of aircraft - the ornithopter, helicopter, and glider. His designs required human power to fly, and thus were impractical. but remember, he was working well before the steam or internal combustion engine. Human powered craft in recent years have been built and flown.

By the 1800's the model builders finally entered the story of aviation history. Modeling has, and still plays, an indispensable role in aircraft development. An early modeler, John Stringfellow, built a steam powered model aircraft in 1848. Although it did not fly, it did demonstrate lift and proved the viability of the concept and was an important first step in the history of the airplane. Steam engines also powered the first models built by aviation pioneer Samuel Pierpont Langley. Two of these flew 3000 and 4200 feet respectively. Langely built full size craft in early 1903 utilizing gas engines. These failed their test flights, however, and powered human flight was still unachieved.

Many other power sources were used for model airplanes in the late 1800's. Rubber bands, compressed air, compressed air motors, comprise some of the more successful flying models in aviation history. Although none of these modelers succeeded in achieving powered, sustained, controlled human flight, they were contributing to the vast amount of knowledge being accumulated.



Glider pilots were also making progress. The most successful and famous - Otto Lilienthal of Germany - experimented extensively with kites and gliders. He met Icarus' fate in 1896 when he lost control of his glider and crashed.

Model aircraft, gliders, and kites all played an indispensable role in the development of practical aircraft that could sustain powered, controllable, human flight. This was finally achieved, of course, by Orville and Wilbur Wright on the sands of Kitty Hawk on December 17. 1903. The Wright brothers designed their craft using the best technology of the time, their own considerable ingenuity, and the accumulated knowledge of those who came before.


History of Flight and Avaition

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A Brief History Of Flight And The Airplane - Part One

A Brief History Of Flight And The Airplane - Part One

Lighter than air craft first gave humans the ability to fly. Balloons and airships were the first chapters in the story of the history of flight which have seen mankind reach for the stars. These craft were magical in their ability to float through the air, but they had many drawbacks. Balloons only went where the wind blew them, and were limited to good weather. Dirigibles were controllable, but were saddled with inappropriate engines in their beginning stages and also were vulnerable to storms. They were also very slow.

The dream of controllable, powered flight was an ancient aspiration which had occupied some of the philosophers thoughts early in our history. Many believed that flight could be achieved by imitating the wing movements of birds, but human body is too weak and heavy to achieve flight this way. Recent years muscle powered flight has been achieved using a bicycle-like apparatus. Only athletes in top condition can fly these machines.

The first aircraft built were kites, which apparently made their appearance sometime in the fifth century. They were flown chiefly for amusement, but were also used by early scientists studying the possibilities of flight. An English monk, and scientist, Roger Bacon was the first person in history that we know of who seriously studied the concept of flight. He lived from 1214 - 1294, and was one of the western world’s first real scientists. His studies convinced him that if a craft were properly constructed, air would support it in the same manner in which water supports a boat.

We had to wait three hundred years before the next notable advancements came in the history of flight. Leonardo Da Vinci never flew, but he thought about it a lot. He designed three different types of flying machine - the helicopter, glider, and ornithopter. The ornithopter was designed with wings which were supposed to flap like a bird’s. These craft were never built, and wouldn’t have flown anyway, as they were designed to use the human body as a power source. Da Vinci lived about four hundred years before the steam or internal combustion engine was developed and muscle power was the only power source he knew.

As we’ve seen earlier in this series, advances in engine technology proved revolutionary the history of transportation and flight. The invention of the internal combustion engine in the nineteenth century virtually created the aircraft revolution. The light, powerful engines were ideal for aircraft. Although steam engines were used by some early aviators, they were too heavy and cumbersome for airplanes.

History of Flight and Avaition