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Flight Without Engines
At the beginning of flight, humanity relied on lighter-than-air aircraft, primarily balloons and gliders. Because birds could sustain flight practically forever; society could only want more out of their large craft of the day. -
First Powered Flight
Together Orville and Wilbur Wright, as well as Charlie E. Taylor were able to launch the Wright Flyer into the air and keep the aircraft in the air for an astonishing 59 seconds. The engine onboard the aircraft was a handbuilt 4-cylinder engine it weighed 170lbs and was made specifically for the Wright Flyer by the Wright's very own Charlie E. Taylor. The engine gave off 12hp and was able to sufficiently power the aircraft at 30mph. -
First Radial Engine
Jacob Ellehammer made the first aircraft radial engine which provides more power In a confined, and well-cooled format. In 1907 Ellehammer installed the engine on his triplane and made multiple short flights. -
First Trans-Atlantic Flight
In 1919 a New York hotel owner put up a prize of $25,000 for anyone who would be able to complete the first trans-Atlantic flight without stopping and solo. Charles Lindbergh along with 9 other inventors made a plane capable of performing the flight. After completing the flight, Lindbergh became a celebrity and was the sole reason a boom in the aviation industry occurred at the time. -
First Jet Engine
Frank Whittle invented the first working Jet Engine that was eventually flown on an aircraft. His design was patented in 1932 and would later go on an actual aircraft in the early 40s. Jet Engines provided much greater speed than conventional propeller aircraft. With further advancements, they would provide better longevity too. -
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Current Jet Age
During WWII Germany constructed one of the first jet fighters. These aircraft were deconstructed and used to help engineer newer aircraft by the allied nations. Nowadays, our aircraft use roughly the same technology but are bigger, and more fuel efficient thanks to better fuel injectors and methods to combust the fuel. During the 70s the high bypass jet engine was used to great success on airliners which is a jet engine that uses it's fan in the front to help pull the aircraft. -
Invention of the High Bypass Turbo Engine
During the mid-1960s, General Electric invented the high bypass turbo engine that powered the Lockheed Martin C-5 Galaxy. This engine design was very useful when compared to other designs because it was very fuel efficient and helped produce more thrust without needing to make the engine extremely large.