History

15 Most Important WWI Aircraft
History

15 Most Important WWI Aircraft

The Wright Brothers first took flight in December 2003. WWI broke out in July 1914, and would see the first uses of aircraft during war. Between 1914 and the war's end in 1918, 100,000 WWI aircraft would be produced. Due to the ever-changing nature of the war, especially in the last two years, both sides would demand new aircraft to suit this. Many of them would see combat, whilst many more wouldn't. So which were the most important? We recently covered the most important aircraft of WWII, so naturally had to cover the most important aircraft of WWI! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 15. Sopwith Pup When aerial combat became common in early the parts of WWI, the British had Sopwith Aviation develop an all-new fighter that could outclass anythin...
15 Most Important WWII Aircraft
History

15 Most Important WWII Aircraft

WWII was the first conflict that saw mass uses of aircraft. As such, it should stand to reason that there are a lot of WWII aircraft, all of whom played their part during the war. But which played the most significant role? Over the course of the war, a staggering 750,000 aircraft were built. The vast majority of these saw conflict, as fighters, bombers, reconnaissance aircraft etc. However, a large minority were prototypes for new aircraft as well! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 15. Supermarine Spitfire For most Brits, the Supermarine Spitfire has been engrained into them as one of the best WWII aircraft. Indeed, for many in Britain, the only reason they weren't conquered by Germany was because of the Spitfire! In 1936, Supermarine were con...
What was the First Aircraft Carrier?
History

What was the First Aircraft Carrier?

There are several contenders for the title of first aircraft carrier. Several navies claim to have had the first as a part of their navy, many ship builders also claim to have made the first as well. When it comes to military aviation, naval aviation is often overlooked, carrier-based aviation even more so! Aircraft carriers are at the front of naval aviation but what was the first aircraft carrier? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Pre-Wright Brothers Aircraft Carriers Before 1903, before the Wright Brothers' first flight of their Wright Flyer, there were ships that launched airborne weapons, similarly to how modern aircraft carriers launch. Balloon Carriers Balloon carriers were the first modern iteration of an aircraft carrier. As the nam...
History of Marine One
History

History of Marine One

Almost everyone, regardless of whether they're American or not, are familiar with Air Force One. However, what about the President's helicopter, Marine One? Why are not many people are familiar with it? People are generally unfamiliar with the president's helicopter because it is overshadowed by his famous motorcade, The Beast and by his own jet, Air Force One. As such, people tend to forget his helicopter! Recently, we covered the Vice President's private jet- Air Force Two. So now we'll cover the President's private helicopter- Marine One. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The First During his presidency, President Eisenhower wanted to travel from the White House to his summer house in Pennsylvania. The car journey was too long, making it di...
History of Air Force Two
History

History of Air Force Two

Air Force One is arguably the most famous private jet in the world, with it being the President of the United States' private aircraft. With that being said, few remember the Vice President's Air Force Two aircraft. Due to safety concerns, the President and Vice President of the United States can never fly together. As such, both need completely different aircraft when they're traveling by air. Air Force One's history is well known, expediting through films such as Air Force One. The history of Air Force Two on the other hand, is less well known... (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Pre-Air Force One The concept of government owned aircraft predates the Wright Brothers' first flight in 1903. Many contemporary journalists saw the airship desi...
Burt Rutan: Aviation’s Most Diverse Designer
History

Burt Rutan: Aviation’s Most Diverse Designer

At almost 80 years old, Burt Rutan has shown that you really can have it all. In his career spanning 55 years, Burt Rutan has designed hundreds of aircraft for differing purposes, and has even designed spaceships! Originally designing aircraft kits, he soon moved on to designing some of the strangest aircraft that have ever flown! Part way through this, Rutan also designed and built several privately-funded spaceships... all through his own companies. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Early Life Elbert Leander Rutan, more commonly known as Burt Rutan, was born on June 17 1943 in Estacada, Oregon. He was the youngest of three children, with is older brother Dick going to become a famous aviator in his own right. He was born to George and I...
What is a Warbird? A Brief History of Warbirds
History

What is a Warbird? A Brief History of Warbirds

Warbirds are some of the most favored airshow acts. Their ability to combine the aircraft of the past and the technology of the present attracts thousands of spectators from all around the world! Aircraft such as the Hawker Hurricane, Supermarine Spitfire, Grumman F8F Bearcat, North American P-51 Mustang and Yakovlev Yak-3 are also considered to be warbirds. But what exactly makes a warbird so special? And why are they so prized (and expensive)? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); What Are Warbirds? Warbirds are any type of former military aircraft that are now in the hands of private individuals. They are commonly used as airshow display as well as airworthy museum displays. The term originates in the 1950's when WWII-era aircraft had be...
Alberto Santos-Dumont: The Forgotten Aviation Pioneer
History

Alberto Santos-Dumont: The Forgotten Aviation Pioneer

When you think of people who significantly contributed to aviation, you probably don't think of Alberto Santos-Dumont. Instead, you probably think of someone like Orville or Wilbur Wright, or maybe even Charles Lindburgh. Despite this, Santos-Dumont is arguably as instrumental as them, if not more so! Where the Wright Brothers made a completely new form of travel, Santos-Dumont expanded upon it, not to mention his works on airships. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Before Aviation Alberto Santos-Dumont was born on July 20 1873 in Palmira in the then-Empire of Brazil. He was the youngest of seven children born to Franco-Brazilian coffee plantation magnate Henrique Dumont. His mother, Francisca de Paula Santos came from a wealthy, land-owning...
Ben Rich: The Father of Stealth
History

Ben Rich: The Father of Stealth

Ben Rich was one of the greatest aircraft designers of his generation. During the Cold War, he designed some of the world's greatest designers, succeeding the infamous Kelly Johnson as head of Lockheed's Skunk Works. Due to his contributions, mostly to stealth aircraft, he is commonly referred to as the "Father of Stealth". Without him, there would arguably be no F-117, SR-71 or even the F-22! He is arguably the most important aircraft designer that you've never heard of! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Before Lockheed Benjamin Robert Rich was born in Manila, Philippines on June 18 1925. He was the eldest of five children born to British-born lumber mill superintendent Isidore Rich and his wife Annie. Isidore Rich had moved to Manila dur...
Kelly Johnson: The Man Behind Lockheed Skunk Works
History

Kelly Johnson: The Man Behind Lockheed Skunk Works

Kelly Johnson is known for a lot of things. He was the lead designer on several of Lockheed's greatest aircraft in the Cold War, as well as being the first leader of Lockheed's infamous Skunk Works division. His work was instrumental in preventing a Soviet win during the Cold War. His work thrust the aviation industry several decades into the future, going from traveling only a couple of hundred miles per hour to several times the speed of sound! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Before Lockheed Kelly Johnson was born on February 27 1910 in Ishpeming, Michigan, a remote mining town. His parents were Swedish immigrants from Malmo. His father, ran a construction company and his mother was a homemaker. He was one of seven children, as well as the...