History




Flying model craft and stories of manned flight go back many centuries; however, the first manned ascent — and safe descent — in modern times took place by larger hot-air balloons developed in the 18th century. Each of the two World Wars led to great technical advances. Consequently, the history of aircraft can be divided into five eras:

  • Pioneers of flight, from the earliest experiments to 1914.
  • First World War, 1914 to 1918.
  • Aviation between the World Wars, 1918 to 1939.
  • Second World War, 1939 to 1945.
  • Postwar era, also called the Jet Age, 1945 to the present day.

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