Taking flight
From daring early flying attempts to the aircraft millions of us use every day, these objects explore how the materials and designs of aircraft have evolved over time.
The Greek myth of Daedalus and Icarus (1887) by Gaston TissandierScience Museum
Dreams of flight
For thousands of years, people dreamed of taking to the skies – even creating myths about human flight, such as the story of Icarus.
Early attempts at real human flight involved people jumping from towers using birdlike wings or being strapped to kites.
Otto Lilienthal in flight by Prof. R.W. WoodsScience Museum
A pioneer of flight, Otto Lilienthal became known as the ‘flying man’. Otto made over 2,000 test flights in gliders like this one he designed himself.
Model of Wright Flyer (1903) by Orville Wright and Wilbur WrightScience Museum
The pioneer age
As technology improved, powered flight went from being a dream to a reality. People started experimenting with different materials and designs.
The Wright Brothers' first attempt at powered flight (1903-12-14) by Daily Herald ArchiveScience Museum
The Wright brothers’ invention was a breakthrough in the history of flight; it was the first successful controlled powered flight by a human. It only lasted 12 seconds.
SE5A Fighter (1916/1917)Science Museum
The First World War
By the First World War, aircraft were needed that were tougher, faster and stronger. New materials and more powerful engines meant that aeroplanes could fly faster and higher than ever before.
This plane, the SE5A Fighter, was one of the fastest and most powerful fighter aircraft of The First World War. After the war it was converted to be used for skywriting.
'Jason I', de Havilland DH.60G Gipsy Moth (1928) by De Havilland Aircraft Company LimitedScience Museum
The heroic age
Flying became a popular activity in the 1920s. People competed and showed off their skills, flying faster, further and higher.
Amy Johnson, English aviator (1930/1939) by Daily Herald ArchiveScience Museum
Amy Johnson became the first female pilot to fly solo from Britain to Australia. She named her plane ‘Jason’ after her father’s business trademark.
Model of a Supermarine 'Spitfire' aircraft by Vickers Armstrongs Ltd.Science Museum
The Second World War
The Second World War brought many technological improvements that are still used in aircraft today. Radar and electronic navigation systems were invented, so planes could be more easily tracked.
Spitfires in line ready for action (1939-05-04) by Daily Herald Archive and George MalindineScience Museum
The Spitfire was the Royal Air Force’s most agile aircraft. Its design meant it could turn very quickly.
Section of a Boeing 747 (1973) by Boeing Commercial Airplane GroupScience Museum
The jet age
As jet engines became more common, planes became more efficient and cheaper to run, and so air transport became accessible to many more people.
It is now the main form of international travel, with millions of people flying every day. Nicknamed the ‘Jumbo Jet’, the Boeing 747 was the very first wide-bodied aircraft.
The Wright Brothers' first attempt at powered flight (1903-12-14) by Daily Herald ArchiveScience Museum
Conclusion
Being able to get on an airplane to travel is something many of us take for granted. But it took generations of experimentation, ingenuity and bravery to make human flight a real – and safer – part of everyday life.
Science Museum is part of the Science Museum Group.
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