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     Important Names in Aeronautics: Sir George Cayley


Born on 27th December 1773, Sir George Cayley was an English aviator, engineer and inventor considered to be the pioneer exploring aviation. One of the most important names in the history of aeronautics, he was the first true scientific aerial investigator was understood the underlying principles and forces of flight.

Cayley proposed the concept of the modern day aircraft in 1799, as a flying machine with fixed wings and separate systems for lift, propulsion and control. Referred to as “the father of aviation”, he identified the four forces acting on any “heavier than air flying object” as thrust, lift, drag and weight. He constructed the first flying model aircraft and designed the first glider reported to carry human.

He rightly predicted that sustained flight would be impossible unless a lightweight engine was developed. Cayley’s emphasis on lightness pushed him to discover a novel method to construct lightweight wheels, which are used even today. His importance in the development of aviation was acknowledged by the Wright brothers.

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