The Evolution of Airplanes: From Wright Brothers to Modern Jets
Air travel has been a remarkable achievement for human beings. From the Wright Brothers’ first flight in 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, to the development of modern jets, airplanes have come a long way over the past century. Indeed, the evolution of airplanes has undergone significant changes in terms of design, speed, and functionality.
The Beginnings
The first successful flight by the Wright Brothers was an astonishing achievement that became the foundation for air travel. In the year 1903, the Wright Brothers flew a biplane, known as Wright Flyer, which had a wingspan of 40 feet and weighed 600 lbs. The plane consisted of a wooden frame, a gasoline engine, and a propeller system which was capable of producing power and lift.
In addition to their initial attempts, the Wright Brothers continued to improve their design and functionality, building a new version of their plane, Wright Flyer II, in the year 1904, followed by Wright Flyer III in 1905.
The emergence of Military Airplanes
During World War I, airplanes played a critical role in the war effort. They were used for surveillance missions, pilot training, and bombing runs. In 1918, the first bomber plane was introduced, and it became …