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Airplane technology
Evolution of Aircraft Technology: From the Wright Brothers to a New Epoch in Aviation
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Introduction
A century has elapsed since that great event in which two brothers created the very first powered flight on Earth in 1903. Over this time, major advancements in aircraft technology have been grounded in aircraft performance tenets-their assurance in light of aerodynamics, propulsion, materials, and avionics-to greatly enhance the speed, security, and efficiency of flying. Current entry considers the evolution of airplane technology and what can be expected for aviation itself.
Early Innovations: Birth of Flight
The Wright brothers made history with the Flyer I and its innovative lightweight design as well as the three-axis control. By 1914, the use of airplanes for military purposes had commenced, thus vastly improving speed, ruggedness, and maneuverability. Most important contributions towards propelling this airplane technology included World Wars I and II in which metallic airframes began to be introduced, while engines with higher power and the first of their kind jet-propelled ones began to spring up.
Jet Age: Speed and Efficiency
The 1950s marked the birth of the Jet Age with the emergence of commercial jets like Boeing 707…
