Lilienthal, Otto (1848–1896)
German aeronautical engineer who is best known for his glider
research and flights. He was the first person to launch himself into the
air and fly. He made a series of detailed and accurate observations about
the properties of curved wing surfaces and calculated the air resistance
for the various shapes. His book of aerodynamic data published in 1889 (Birdflight
as the Basis of Aviation), as well as his other publications, greatly
influenced aeronautical design. The Wright
brothers read his findings carefully and used his data as a basis for
their glider experiments. Lilienthal showed that mastering glider flight
was necessary before successful powered flight could be achieved.
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Lilienthal's "normal" glider
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Lilienthal was born in Anklam, Germany. He began experimenting with flight
when he was 13 when he and his brothers made a set of wings, strapped them
to his body, and tried to fly. During his lifetime, he made more than 2,500
successful glider flights. He built his first glider in 1891, and his "normal"
glider was first constructed in 1894. His early gliders were monoplanes
with cambered wings and fixed tail plane. In all, he built 18 designs –
15 monoplanes and three biplanes. All his designs applied and tested his
theories. To fly, the pilot hung from his craft with his head and shoulders
above the wings and his body and legs hanging below. The pilot had to shift
his weight to achieve control of the craft. This was the major shortcoming
of his designs. The pilot had to react to the movements of the craft rather
than directing or initiating them, which required strength and quick reflexes.
It was the inability to control a glider that proved fatal. Lilienthal was
killed on August 9, 1896, when he stalled and crashed to the ground while
gliding.
Related category
• AVIATION
PIONEERS
Source: U.S. Centennial
of Flight Commission
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