airplanes

First successful flying model

May 21, 1901

First successful flying model propelled by an internal combustion engine

First take off from a ship

Jun 21, 1910

In January 1911 he takes off from shore and lands on a ship anchored off the coast of California.

Airmail service inaugurated

May 21, 1918

The U. S. Postal Service inaugurates airmail service from Polo Grounds in Washington, D.C.

First practical radar

May 21, 1935

British scientist Sir Robert Watson-Watt patents the first practical radar (for radio detection and ranging) system for meteorological applications. During World War II radar is successfully used in Great Britain to detect incoming aircraft and provide information to intercept bombers.

B-52 bomber

May 21, 1950

Boeing makes the B-52 bomber. It has eight turbojet engines, intercontinental range, and a capacity of 500,000 pounds

Boeing 747

May 21, 1969

Boeing conducts the first flight of a wide-body, turbofan-powered commercial airliner, the 747, one of the most successful aircraft ever produced.