Evolution of the Airplane

First practical airplane is developed

1903

The Wright brothers (Wilbur and Orville Wright) complete the first four sustained flights using a powered and controlled airplane.

First biplane to take off from a ship

1910

Eugene Ely takes off a cruiser while piloting a biplane. Landing gear was modified for this.

Improvements in structure and propulsion systems

1914

World War I (1914-1918) drove the need for higher speed, higher altitude, and better maneuverability.

Junkers J4 and all-metal airplane developed

1917

Hugo Junkers (German professor of mechanics) introduces first all-metal plane;built of duralumin (lightweight metal).

Introduction of air-cooled radial engines

1925

New air-cooled radial engines allow for bigger and faster planes.

First practical radar

1935

Sir Robert Watson-Watt develops first practical radar for meteorological applications.

Many revolutionary modifications are made

1939

During World War II (1939-1945), many new advancements are made. British invent airplane-detecting radar. The Germans develop radio wave navigation techniques. Airborne radar is developed and later German invent first jet fighter: ME 262.

Bibliography

2017

http://www.greatachievements.org/?id=3728
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wright_Flyer
https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/eugene-ely-and-birth-naval-aviation%E2%80%94january-18-1911
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salmson_2
http://hugojunkers.bplaced.net/junkers-j4-j-i.html

Bibliography (continued)

2017

http://www.travelair.org/html/history/history_frame_tahistory.html
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/douglas-dc-3-of-north-central-airlines-in-flight-news-photo/515550714#douglas-dc3-of-north-central-airlines-in-flight-picture-id515550714
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_Me_262