Hopping onto a plane and criss-crossing the continents is a straightforward affair. But behind the comfortably furnished fuselages and complimentary nuts lies an inspirational history full of pioneering people, machines, achievements, and breakthrough moments
The history of aviation is filled with important and exciting milestones. Some are well known, others a little more esoteric, but all are fascinating. Find out what you know of aviation history with this Aviation History quiz.
Aircraft has long been used in the military, even prior to WWI. First uses included scouting and occasional bombings. Then fighter planes were developed, leading to today’s advanced fighter jets. Explore the fascinating history of military aviation with this guide.
Though camouflage had been experimented with in World War I, it wasn’t until the Second World War that it came into its own. In World War II colors were used on aircraft for identification as well as camouflage. All parties in both the Axis and the Allies used distinctive coloring for advantages.
Seared into the memory of countless people, the destruction of the Hindenburg was one of the first tragedies recorded and viewed worldwide. While many of the Hindenburg disaster myths were debunked over the years, with this exposure came a long series of possible explanations for the catastrophe.
The Sopwith Camel may be the most famous airplane of WWI. It was dangerous to enemy pilots and almost equally dangerous to pilots learning to fly the maneuverable but quirky Camel.
Sukhoi is a near legendary name in the aviation world - the company has produced aircraft since 1930 and is the design bureau behind such successful aircraft as the SU-24 Fencer strike fighter and the SU-27 Flanker series of air superiority fighters. Sukhoi’s future is bright in Russia and abroad.
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is Sweden’s premier fighter aircraft and one of the first specifically built with export markets in mind. The prime competitors for the Gripen in export markets are upgraded versions of the F-16 and the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter built by the United States.
