early powered flight

"Kim Dammers" wrote in message
om...
There is no serious evidence, photographic or otherwise,
that Whitehead ever managed to fly his aircraft. The best
that can be produced is a claim by Whitehead himself, and
the man seems to have been more than a little prone to
exaggeration.

Contemporary newspaper articles, one of which is from the local paper
and describes the flight constitute serious evidence, albeit not
proof. In addition, at least two alleged eye-witnesses later signed
sworn affidavits.


Unfortunately history tells us that both newspaper stories and
witness testimony given years after the even are of doubtful
value in this regard. Had the aircraft flown on a number of occasions
that wouldof course have been different.

They have built a "replica" of the No.21
(despite the complete lack of plans), equipped it with a modern
engine, and managed to get it briefly into the air.

The Flugpionier-Gustav-Weißkopf-Museum photos depict what certainly
looks like more than "briefly" being in the air (remember, the Wright
Bros.' craft was catapulted and didn't go very far either).

The description of what happened however is that it flew 500 metres
but was equipped with modern 2 stroke counter rotating engines

The difference with regard to the Wrights was they kept on
flying their aircraft and refined it into a useful flying machine

A one off flight of doubtful provenance is no substitute for continued
endeavour.

Keith