Greatest contribution to aviation

[Smoke2much]

Leonardo da Vinci

Bill Gates (Joke )

Test pilots by which I mean those phenomenoly brave men and women who flew higher and faster than anyone ever had in glue and balsa contraptions powered by engines that had less horse power than Stormy's hairdryer.

We also have to thank the leaders of the European nations circa 1914 without whom WW1 would never have happened and which caused an aviation revolution similar to the black obelisk in 2001 a Space Oddysey.  Grateful thanks go also to Adolf Hitler who caused the second great aviation revolution 1933-1945.

Will

[Professor Brensec]

Visitor aka X,

Interesting bit on the X-1. I wasn't aware of it's ability to take off on it's own. (As we say, this is where we learn alot of the things we know.......lol)
Thanks for the info.

The 'quote' about the X-1 not being close to a fighter comes from the "george Welch' link that I posted.
Obviously, it is going to be a little biased.
But, in any case, this was an amazing fellow.
Being one of the very few who responded in aircraft at Pearl Harbour, plus another particular exploit with another pilot in P40's where 15 or so Vals were shot down in the one engagement and then to go on and create the first 'confirmed' sonic boom, and have the 'Powers that be' keep it all secret because they didn't want to be embarrassed.

Apparently, after doing more searching on the web, the North American Aircraft people were quite peeved when they learnt that their F86 had done this and it wasn;t to be announced.
Anyway, I believe, (not 100% sure) that the F86 turned out to be the first 'in service' Fighter to break the barrier, not long after.

Have a quick read of the George Welch site if your haven't a;ready. it's an interesting read.

[visitor]

While researching this stuff I also came accross
a bit on Howard Hughes, seems he had a hand in
the development of modern navagation instruments
and set in place the research that lead to the
com. satalites and later the internet it self.
With the help of Auther C. Clarke and some
help from ATT in making transitors!!! And
now we have GPS, Thank you Mr. Hughes!!

X

[Professor Brensec]

[quote]
We also have to thank the leaders of the European nations circa 1914 without whom WW1 would never have happened and which caused an aviation revolution similar to the black obelisk in 2001 a Space Oddysey.

[Professor Brensec]

Hey VisitorAKA:X,

I see on your photos below your posts the caption 'flew military 1939 - 1979.
Would this make you a WWII aviation veteran?

If it does, I believe you are our only one! At least as far as I know.

Anyone else have a clue as to whether we have someone with first hand WWII flight service knowledge?

[Smoke2much]

That's exactly what I meant Brensec.  Naturally there was an element of sarcasm but without the forced evolution (revolution) of aircraft design during both world wars we would still be in the sixties.

Jet engines were designed to make fighters ever faster and able to carry heavier weaponary.  Radar was designed to detect enemy bombers and to guide our bombers to the target.

Imagine modern aviation without just these two things.

Will (Evil grin smiley)

[BFMF]

I wouldn't like to single out one person who made the greatest contribution above all others. Most development is done on a team basis & all members contribute in some way. One of my all-time aviation heroes is James H. Doolittle. He's probably more famous for the WWII Tokyo raid these days but as a test pilot he made many pioneering contributions to aviation development & safety. He was the very first pilot to fly solo (including take-off & landing) on instruments alone. Without the risks taken by many incredibly brave but usually unknown test pilots just like him, aviation could not have progressed to where it is today.

I almost forgot about him!

I need to go get a biography on him

[Professor Brensec]

Re Dolittle.

His good friend Hap Arnold apparently made quite a contribution by way of test flying and influence on the design of planes and methods etc.

I recall seeing a bio' on him on the History Channel.
He was quite a bloke, for all intents and pyrposes.  ;D

[BFMF]

I WANT THE HISTORY CHANNELL!!!!

[Professor Brensec]

I WANT THE HISTORY CHANNELL!!!!

So you keep saying............lol

It will be one of the best things you do in terms of educating yourself about many things, particularly WWII.
It seems they have a never ending supply of Doco's about virtually every subject, including bio's on the major players and important contributors etc (MH, VC winners and the like), weapons, battles, spy stuff (if I see one more about Bletchley Park, I think I'l go mad.......lol.
By the way, do any of you Poms know what Bletchley is used as today?

Is it up to you financially to get cable, or is it a 'mum & dad situation?

[Hagar]

By the way, do any of you Poms know what Bletchley is used as today?

Bletchley Park is preserved as a museum. This reminds me - I keep intending to visit. http://www.codesandciphers.org.uk/bletchleypark/
Quite recently some scoundrel stole the only working example of the Enigma machine, presumably to sell on to a wealthy private collector. Fortunately he had a change of heart & it was recovered.

[BFMF]

Is it up to you financially to get cable, or is it a 'mum & dad situation?

It's actually just a 'mum' situation, remember

I'm sure everyone in our family would love to get cable or satellite, but we can't afford it.

[Woodlouse2002]

Back to the original topic, what about Roy Chadwick?

I actually think that the greatest contribution to aviation should go to Boeing. Think about it, they practically own the airliner buisness enabling anyone to fly anywhere, they created the B17 and B29 and so helped end WWII. Whats more they've been around for decades and will continue to be for quite some time.

[Hagar]

Assuming we're talking about powered flight, how about Messrs Rolls & Royce? Also the other pioneer aircraft engine developers without whose efforts none of this would be possible.  ::)

[visitor]

brensec;

Thats my Dad, the world best dad by the way
that flew for 40 years!!


X