Sopwith Camel, 1917 Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com |
The general name given to a vehicle whose operational medium is air and which supports itself in the Earth's atmosphere by means of lift. Lift is produced through specially shaped fixed wings attached to the aeroplane's body or fuselage; these alter the airflow so that the pressure distribution of the air over the wing creates an upward force.
The airflow is in turn produced by the aeroplane being 'pushed' or 'pulled' through the air by the propulsion device driven by a motor. By means of design, the lift produced by the wing can be made greater than the weight of the airframe and propulsive system, allowing a payload to be carried.
Kitty Hawk Aeroplane Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com |
The first truly powered flight was made by Orville Wright in December 1903, when he flew 260 m / 852 ft. However, it was not until World War 1 that governments on both sides of the conflict put money into the development of engines and airframes. This led to the rapid development of specialized aircraft, particularly the fighter.
After the War, the needs of American transcontinental passenger travel produced aircraft with multi-engines, metal skins, and retractable undercarriages to replace the previously fabric-covered types. World War 2 saw a further investment in aircraft by both the Axis and Allied powers, culminating in the world's first operational jet fighter, the Me 262.
Concorde in flight, Air France Buy this Photographic Print at AllPosters.com |
In the period following the War, jet engines were applied to ever larger passenger aircraft, culminating in the introduction of the Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet in 1970. This period also saw the arrival of the supersonic Concorde in 1976. Similarly, warplanes of all types had jet engines applied to them, the trend being towards ever higher speeds.
Recent developments in civilian aircraft have been away from higher speed towards more economical and quieter operation, while military and large commercial aircraft are becoming increasingly reliant upon electronics to control and keep them stable in flight.
