The First Gliders

People have been fascinated with flying for years. Leonardo da Vinci used to sketch flying machines way back in the 14^th century. He drew helicopters, parachutes, and ornithopters. Ornithopters are machines with wings that attach to a person's arms. Hundreds of years later, the Mongolfier brothers invented hot air balloons in the 1700's. Dirigibles and zeppelins became popular in late 1700's and early 1800's. By the end of the 1800's, man was in a race to build the first airplane.

Otto Lilienthal Invents the Glider

The concepts of Otto Lilienthal probably had the greatest impact on the history of flight. His expertise in math and the science of aerodynamics allowed him to make fascinating contributions to the development of airplanes from 1890 to 1896. Otto, along with his brother Gustav, worked tirelessly researching the wings of birds and studying aerodynamics. Lilienthal was an engineer. Because of his research, he was able to conceive, construct, and fly the first gliders in history.

With each test flight, Lilienthal was able to perfect his design. He would set up on a cliff just outside of Potsdam, Germany where he lived. Poised between two massive wings constructed from wood and fabric, Lilienthal would jump, and glide to safety. He made over 2000 flights like this before he died in 1896. His death was the result of a tragic failed flight. The glider collapsed, and Lilienthal received massive injuries.

Lilienthal's Theories and Written Works

Lilienthal was not a strong supporter of balloon flights. He focused on the study of birds, with special intensity on how they flap their wings. He studied the ideas of a mechanical pigeon. It was his creation, and it had a heavy steam engine and natural wings.

In his lectures, Lilienthal discussed bird flight in conjunction with the forces of air. Notes kept from that particular lecture indicate that he received a standing ovation for his theories. One of the most important things Lilienthal realized was the need for energy conservation. Birds were careful not to work too hard when they flew. He also taught about thermal updrafts and lifting components in the wind.

Through his research, Lilienthal was able to clarify the laws of physics. He taught about limits during flight, and the need to imitate birds. He clearly expressed the need for man to use the power of nature, and the wind when flying.

Modifications of his gliders took place as Lilienthal learned more about the mechanics of birds, and the motion of the wind. His first glider was much simpler than some of his later designs. He began strapping two large wings to his arms. Through the 1890's, he made advancements, adding wings and tails to his glider's to fully utilize the lift of the wind.

Lilienthal's three biggest concerns with flight were take off, stability, and landing. While he studied the ground to air speeds and how they affect each other, he also believed in the need for lots of practice in flying. A person had to get a feel for the aircraft, and understand how to maneuver it. This way, the pilot could learn how to steer the airplane in any direction of choice.

Inspiration to the Wright Brothers

Lilienthal and his glider made great strides in the advancement of airplane technology. The impact of his gliders during the 1890's is still being felt today. His research laid the foundation for those who would follow. Just a few short years later, in 1903, the Wright Brothers made the first ever sustained controlled flight. Much of their work, and consequently their success, has been inspired by Otto Lilienthal and his gliders of the 1890's.