The first World War expedited the evolution of aircraft technology, which continued through World War II. These developments revolutionized military strategy and contributed greatly to the final outcomes.
The Wright brothers Orville and Wilbur are considered to be the fathers of modern flight. They were not the first to build and fly experimental aircraft, but they were the first who invented controls that made flight controllable. Before they revolutionized flight, many other methods had been attempted such as people jumping off buildings or other high locations with make shift wings attached to their arms, or machines that bounced up and down with something akin to an umbrella on top of them. None of these experiments were very successful though some did manage to glide very short distances.
The Wright brothers started off with small kites testing various principles, such as when wings on one side of the kite were bent the other side would receive more lift. They then moved onto using gliders. The gliders were first flown something like a kite, being held by tethers. They began to fly the gliders, often not getting far off the ground, but they did manage to achieve unpowered flight. It was not until 1903 and the Wright Flyer I that the Wright brothers attempted powered flight. (Kent 562)
There was, however, the development of blimps and hot air balloons which were somewhat controllable but still depended largely on where the wind would take them. The Wright brothers were the first to develop successful, controllable, heavier-than-air air craft. Most such aircraft before had been disasters, crashing after being launched off cliffs or other high points.
The first successful airplanes were of the biplane design. From 1914 ...
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...be waged from the skies. Battle plans now had to include a way to protect soldiers from attack from over head and to harass the enemy using the same. In the beginning powered flight had little effect on war but by the end it was a major aspect. Air power became a major contributing factor to who would win a war.
Sources:
Kent, Rosemarie, ed. The New Book of Knowledge. Danbury, CT: Grolier Incorporated, 2001. Print.
Mosley, Leonard. Battle of Britain. Alexandria, VA: Time-Life, 1977. Print
Stewart, Gail B. World War I. San Diego: Lucent, 1991. Print.
Williams, John. "Chapter 8." World Atlas of Weapons & War. London: Aldus, 1976. 96-111. Print.
History Wing Introduction." Home Page for the Wright Brothers Aeroplane Company and Wright-brothers.org. 1999. Web. 10 Apr. 2011. .
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World War Warfare was one of the greatest examples of technological advancement and strategic challenge, with the introduction of inventions such as the aircraft and the tank the battlefield transformed from attrition as scene in the early years of the war to decisive by the end of the war.
Within World War I began a new age of warfare. As compared to previous engagements, the adoption of new weapons changed the way in World War I was fought. Not only did the concept of war change in terms of where battles were fought, how much revenue must be spent on the war and how much time a war could span; weapons changed. During the Indian Wars and War for independence, basic weapons were used. World War I began to become mobile. Use of planes, tanks and other technological advances had been implemented. The technological advances brought about were implemented within this war in an attempt to make the war last a shorter and to show prestige. Not only were mobile aerial and ground assets involved in war now, but other technology such as flamethrowers, machine guns and poisonous gas was also introduced.
World War II was one of the deadliest military conflicts in history. There were many different battles that took place within this war; some more important than others. World War II began once Germany’s new dictator, Adolf Hitler, decided that he wanted to gain power for Germany and for himself. One of Hitler’s first moves in power was invading Poland on September 1, 1939. Many other countries became involved in this war because of the alliance system. The two sides during this war were the Allies and Axis powers. German, Italy and Japan were on the Axis powers; France, Britain, and the United States were on the Allies. Germany first began with the Blitzkrieg tactic meaning “lightning war”. This tactic is based on speed, surprise and was the most popular tactic. It is set up with military forces based around tanks which are supported by planes and infantry. The Blitzkrieg tactic lead to air wars with airplanes between countries. All of the countries were allowed to participate in the air wars but the four main countries were United States, Japan, Britain, and Germany. During the 1920’s and 1930’s airplanes grew in size and structure giving them more power, and making planes more effective. Planes made it easier to drop bombs, or plan attacks. All of these countries fought over air superiority. Air superiority is the position in which the air force has control over all of the air warfare and air power of the opposing forces. Germany began with air superiority but they lost it when Britain defeated them at the Battle of Britain. Gaining control over the air is a very big advantage because it is easier to plan an attack on an opposing country. All of the countries relied on their aircrafts during this war. The issue about the use of...
Wilbur and Orville Wright spent their lives building and working with mechanical devices. They began with little toys as children and then grew up and began working with bicycles. These works lead them towards their work with airplanes. The Wright Brothers tried for many years to build a successful flying machine and succeeded. The Wright Brothers laid the foundation for aviation when they made history by being the first to create a successful flying machine.
The Wright Brothers sold a bunch of airplanes to various companies and people .And they lived wealthy and worked on airplanes and helped make the world what it is today.People started making airplanes and buying ones and putting weapons on them for future wars.And Wilbur and Orville taught people everywhere to follow your dreams.On May 30,1912 at forty five years old Wilbur Wright died from the fever Typhoid (Wright Stories) Orville Wright later on sold him and his brothers company and retired,But thirty years later he died on January 30,1948 from two heart attacks (Orville dies of a heart attack) Wilbur and Orville revolutionized everybodies transportation and opened doors to new and easier travel,communication and even international commerce.They were some of the many people that we look up to today and respect.
Since WW1, Air Defenses have been gradually improved, and the government began spending more on national security. Because of this, air defenses were made a priority and the production of combat ready aircraft increased. Aircraft were soon mounted with guns and designed to carry loads of bombs. This of course, would intimidate countries that did not have advanced air defenses and used earlier versions of combat aircraft, which would not only send a clear message that countries with good air defenses were not to be messed with, but it would also put these countries on high alert with each other. Aviation eventually became a competition for the most deadliest military aircraft. A few of America’s most efficient WW2 fighter planes include the
Planes have developed immensely through the years. The Wright brothers developed the first plane in 1903.
Wright, Wilbur, and Orville Wright, photographer. [1901 glider being flown as a kite, Wilbur at left side, Orville at right; Kitty Hawk, North Carolina]. [1901] Image. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, . Accessed 29 Nov.
Wilbur and Orville Wright were pioneers, skilled craftsman, and engineers not only in aviation but in many other trades as well. “They loved to tinker and experiment with mechanical things and it characterized the Wrights through out their lives. Each of the brothers had a deeply ingrained inquisitive streak that was nurtured in a home that was encouraged.” (Moolman, 1980, p. 107) They had a good family upbringing, but moved frequently. The Wright brothers paved the way for aviation to take off with their thoughts, ideas, and inventions.
Technology changed during World War II , things like planes were made even more deadly. During World War II , the United States became involved in the war because of the Japanese attack called Pearl Harbor. The Japanese were then punished for their actions in Pearl Harbor by atomic bombs. The U.S. officially joined World War II after the Pearl Harbor attack. The role of aircraft in World War II is significant because of the planes and pilots that attacked Pearl Harbor, battles involving planes, and the United States Air Force.