Teacher's Guide

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Teacher's Guide TEACHER’S GUIDE For AEROSPACE: THE JOURNEY OF FLIGHT This document was prepared by Civil Air Patrol. Contents Preface iv National Standards 1 Part One: The Rich History of Air Power Chapter 1 – Introduction to Air Power 10 Chapter 2 – The Adolescence of Air Power: 1904-1919 15 Chapter 3 – The Golden Age: 1919-1939 21 Chapter 4 – Air Power Goes to War 27 Chapter 5 – Aviation: From the Cold War to Desert Storm 35 Chapter 6 – Advances in Aeronautics 45 Part Two: Principles of Flight and Navigation Chapter 7 – Basic Aeronautics and Aerodynamics 48 Chapter 8 – Aircraft in Motion 52 Chapter 9 – Flight Navigation 58 Part Three: The Aerospace Community Chapter 10 – The Airport 63 Chapter 11 – Air Carriers 65 Chapter 12 – General Aviation 68 Chapter 13 – Business and Commercial Aviation 71 Chapter 14 – Military Aircraft 75 Chapter 15 – Helicopters, STOL, VTOL and UAVs 79 Chapter 16 – Aerospace Organizations 83 Chapter 17 – Aerospace Careers and Training 87 Part Four: Air Environment Chapter 18 – The Atmosphere 91 Chapter 19 – Weather Elements 97 Chapter 20 – Aviation Weather 101 Part Five: Rockets Chapter 21 – Rocket Fundamentals 105 Chapter 22 – Chemical Propulsion 109 Chapter 23 – Orbits and Trajectories 112 Part Six: Space Chapter 24 – Space Environment 117 Chapter 25 – Our Solar System 122 Chapter 26 – Unmanned Space Exploration 128 Chapter 27 – Manned Spacecraft 134 ii Multiple Choice Sample Test Bank Part One: The Rich History of Air Power Chapter 1 – Introduction to Air Power 13 Chapter 2 – The Adolescence of Air Power: 1904-1919 18 Chapter 3 – The Golden Age: 1919-1939 25 Chapter 4 – Air Power Goes to War 32 Chapter 5 – Aviation: From the Cold War to Desert Storm 43 Chapter 6 – Advances in Aeronautics 47 Part Two: Principles of Flight and Navigation Chapter 7 – Basic Aeronautics and Aerodynamics 50 Chapter 8 – Aircraft in Motion 56 Chapter 9 – Flight Navigation 61 Part Three: The Aerospace Community Chapter 10 – The Airport 64 Chapter 11 – Air Carriers 67 Chapter 12 – General Aviation 69 Chapter 13 – Business and Commercial Aviation 73 Chapter 14 – Military Aircraft 78 Chapter 15 – Helicopters, STOL, VTOL and UAVs 81 Chapter 16 – Aerospace Organizations 85 Chapter 17 – Aerospace Careers and Training 89 Part Four: Air Environment Chapter 18 – The Atmosphere 95 Chapter 19 – Weather Elements 99 Chapter 20 – Aviation Weather 103 Part Five: Rockets Chapter 21 – Rocket Fundamentals 107 Chapter 22 – Chemical Propulsion 111 Chapter 23 – Orbits and Trajectories 115 Part Six: Space Chapter 24 – Space Environment 120 Chapter 25 – Our Solar System 126 Chapter 26 – Unmanned Space Exploration 132 Chapter 27 – Manned Spacecraft 137 iii Preface This guide was designed to help teachers use Aerospace: The Journey of Flight in their classrooms. It consists of detailed lesson plans for each chapter. The lesson plans include presentation steps, major points and supporting information. Each chapter also includes several objectives with descriptive verbs that should be easily verifiable and measurable. Additionally, this guide contains a sample test for each chapter. The sample tests present multiple choice and true/false questions that could be used on a test. The sample tests are located at the end of each chapter. Finally, this teacher’s guide includes national standards. These are academic content standards that describe what every student should know and be able to do in the core academic areas (e.g., mathematics, science, English language arts, and social studies). These standards are criteria for judging quality and are important resources for providing a framework for curriculum design as well as criteria for school accountability. iv National Standards Aerospace: The Journey of Flight Part One: The Rich History of Air Power (Chapters 1-6) Science Standards Mathematics English Social Technology Standards Language Studies Standards Arts Standards Standards Physical Science: 1. Number and 1. Reading for 2. Time, 3. · Motions and Operations Standard: Perspective Continuity, and Understanding Forces · Understanding Change of the numbers, relationships ways of among representing technologies numbers, and and the number connections systems. between technology and other fields of study. Science and 9. Connections 2. 6. Power, 4. Technology: Standard: Understanding Authority, and Understanding · Abilities of · Recognize the Human Governance of the cultural, technological and apply Experience social, design mathematics economic, and · Understandings in contexts political effects about science outside of of technology. and technology mathematics. Unifying Concepts and 3. Evaluation 8. Science, 6. Processes: Strategies Technology, Understanding · Evidence, and Society of the role of models, and society in the explanations development · Form and and use of function technology. 6. Applying 9. Global 7. Knowledge Connections Understanding of the influence of technology on history. 12. Applying Language Skills 1 Aerospace: The Journey of Flight Part Two: Principles of Flight and Navigation (Chapters 7-9) Science Standards Mathematics English Social Technology Standards Language Studies Standards Arts Standards Standard s Physical Science: 1. Number and 3. 8. Science, 1. · Structure and Operations Standard: Evaluation Technology, Understanding of properties of · Compute Strategies and Society the characteristics matter fluently and and scope of · Motions and make technology. forces reasonable · Conservation of estimates. energy Earth and Space Science: 3. Geometry Standard: 7. Applying 3. Understanding · Energy in the · Specify Knowledge of the earth system locations and relationships describe among spatial technologies and relationships the connections using between coordinate technology and geometry and other fields of other study. representations system. Science and Technology: 4. Measurement 12. 6. Understanding · Abilities of Standard: Applying of the role of technological · Understand Language society in the design measurable Skills development and · Understandings attributes of use of about science and objects and the technology. technology units, systems, and processes of measurement Science in Personal and 5. Data Analysis and 8. Understanding Social Perspectives: Probability Standard: of the attributes · Science and · Select and use of design. technology in appropriate local, national, statistical and global methods to challenges analyze data. · Develop and evaluate inferences and predictions that are based on data. 2 9. Understanding of engineering design. 10. Understanding of the role of troubleshooting, research and development, invention and innovation, and experimentation in problem solving. 3 Aerospace: The Journey of Flight Part Three: The Aerospace Community (Chapters 10-17) Science Standards Mathematics English Social Technology Standards Language Studies Standards Arts Standards Standards Physical Science: 1. Number and 1. Reading for 3. People, 1. · Motions and Operations Standard: Perspective Places, and Understanding of forces · Understanding Environments the numbers, characteristics ways of and scope of representing technology. numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems. Science and 5. Data Analysis and 3. Evaluation 5. Individuals, 3. Technology: Probability Standard: Strategies Groups, and Understanding of · Abilities of · Develop and Institutions the relationships technological evaluate among design inferences and technologies and · Understandings predictions the connections about science that are based between and technology on data. technology and other fields of study. Science in Personal and 4. Social Perspectives: Understanding of · Environmental the cultural, quality social, economic, · Natural and and political human-induced effects of hazards technology. · Science and technology in local, national and global challenges History and Nature of 10. Civic 5. Science: Ideals and Understanding of · Science as a Practices the effects of human technology on endeavor the environment. · Nature of scientific knowledge · Historical perspectives 4 6. Understanding of the role of society in the development and use of technology. 8. Understanding of the attributes of design. 10. Understanding of the role of troubleshooting, research and development, invention and innovation, and experimentation in problem solving. 5 Aerospace: The Journey of Flight Part Four: Air Environment (Chapters 18-20) Science Standards Mathematics English Social Technology Standards Language Studies Standards Arts Standards Standard s Physical Science: 4. Measurement Standards: 3. 3. People, 3. · Structure and · Understand Evaluation Places, and Understanding properties of measurable Strategies Environments of the matter attributes of relationships · Conservation objects and the among of energy and units, systems, and technologies the increase in processes of and the disorder measurement. connections · Interactions of · Apply appropriate between energy and techniques, tools, technology and matter and formulas to other fields of determine study. measurements. Earth and Space 6. Problem Solving 12. Science: Standard: Applying · Energy in the · Solve problems Language earth system that arise in Skills mathematics and in other contexts. Science in Personal 9. Connections Standard: and Social · Recognize and Perspectives: apply mathematics · Natural and in contexts outside human- of mathematics. induced hazards · Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges History and Nature of Science: · Nature of scientific knowledge 6 Aerospace:
Recommended publications
  • United Nations Peacekeeping Missions Military Aviation Unit Manual Second Edition April 2021
    UN Military Aviation Unit Manual United Nations Peacekeeping Missions Military Aviation Unit Manual Second Edition April 2021 Second Edition 2019 DEPARTMENT OF PEACE OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT OF OPERATIONAL SUPPORT UN Military Aviation Unit Manual Produced by: Office of Military Affairs, Department of Peace Operations UN Secretariat One UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017 Tel. 917-367-2487 Approved by: Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Department of Peace Operations (DPO). Atul Khare Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Department of Operational Support (DOS) April 2021. Contact: PDT/OMA/DPO Review date: 30/ 04 / 2026 Reference number: 2021.04 Printed at the UN, New York © UN 2021. This publication enjoys copyright under Protocol 2 of the Universal Copyright Convention. Nevertheless, governmental authorities or Member States may freely photocopy any part of this publication for exclusive use within their training institutes. However, no portion of this publication may be reproduced for sale or mass publication without the express consent, in writing, of the Office of Military Affairs, UN Department of Peace Operations. ii UN Military Aviation Unit Manual Foreword We are delighted to introduce the United Nations Peacekeeping Missions Military Aviation Unit Manual, an essential guide for commanders and staff deployed in peacekeeping operations, and an important reference for Member States and the staff at United Nations Headquarters. For several decades, United Nations peacekeeping has evolved significantly in its complexity. The spectrum of multi-dimensional UN peacekeeping operations includes challenging tasks such as restoring state authority, protecting civilians and disarming, demobilizing and reintegrating ex-combatants. In today’s context, peacekeeping missions are deploying into environments where they can expect to confront asymmetric threats and contend with armed groups over large swaths of territory.
    [Show full text]
  • The Luftwaffe Wasn't Alone
    PIONEER JETS OF WORLD WAR II THE LUFTWAFFE WASN’T ALONE BY BARRETT TILLMAN he history of technology is replete with Heinkel, which absorbed some Junkers engineers. Each fac tory a concept called “multiple independent opted for axial compressors. Ohain and Whittle, however, discovery.” Examples are the incandes- independently pursued centrifugal designs, and both encoun- cent lightbulb by the American inventor tered problems, even though both were ultimately successful. Thomas Edison and the British inventor Ohain's design powered the Heinkel He 178, the world's first Joseph Swan in 1879, and the computer by jet airplane, flown in August 1939. Whittle, less successful in Briton Alan Turing and Polish-American finding industrial support, did not fly his own engine until Emil Post in 1936. May 1941, when it powered Britain's first jet airplane: the TDuring the 1930s, on opposite sides of the English Chan- Gloster E.28/39. Even so, he could not manufacture his sub- nel, two gifted aviation designers worked toward the same sequent designs, which the Air Ministry handed off to Rover, goal. Royal Air Force (RAF) Pilot Officer Frank Whittle, a a car company, and subsequently to another auto and piston 23-year-old prodigy, envisioned a gas-turbine engine that aero-engine manufacturer: Rolls-Royce. might surpass the most powerful piston designs, and patented Ohain’s work detoured in 1942 with a dead-end diagonal his idea in 1930. centrifugal compressor. As Dr. Hallion notes, however, “Whit- Slightly later, after flying gliders and tle’s designs greatly influenced American savoring their smooth, vibration-free “Axial-flow engines turbojet development—a General Electric– flight, German physicist Hans von Ohain— were more difficult built derivative of a Whittle design powered who had earned a doctorate in 1935— to perfect but America's first jet airplane, the Bell XP-59A became intrigued with a propeller-less gas- produced more Airacomet, in October 1942.
    [Show full text]
  • Air Defence in Northern Europe
    FINNISH DEFENCE STUDIES AIR DEFENCE IN NORTHERN EUROPE Heikki Nikunen National Defence College Helsinki 1997 Finnish Defence Studies is published under the auspices of the National Defence College, and the contributions reflect the fields of research and teaching of the College. Finnish Defence Studies will occasionally feature documentation on Finnish Security Policy. Views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily imply endorsement by the National Defence College. Editor: Kalevi Ruhala Editorial Assistant: Matti Hongisto Editorial Board: Chairman Prof. Pekka Sivonen, National Defence College Dr. Pauli Järvenpää, Ministry of Defence Col. Erkki Nordberg, Defence Staff Dr., Lt.Col. (ret.) Pekka Visuri, Finnish Institute of International Affairs Dr. Matti Vuorio, Scientific Committee for National Defence Published by NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE P.O. Box 266 FIN - 00171 Helsinki FINLAND FINNISH DEFENCE STUDIES 10 AIR DEFENCE IN NORTHERN EUROPE Heikki Nikunen National Defence College Helsinki 1997 ISBN 951-25-0873-7 ISSN 0788-5571 © Copyright 1997: National Defence College All rights reserved Oy Edita Ab Pasilan pikapaino Helsinki 1997 INTRODUCTION The historical progress of air power has shown a continuous rising trend. Military applications emerged fairly early in the infancy of aviation, in the form of first trials to establish the superiority of the third dimension over the battlefield. Well- known examples include the balloon reconnaissance efforts made in France even before the birth of the aircraft, and it was not long before the first generation of flimsy, underpowered aircraft were being tested in a military environment. The Italians used aircraft for reconnaissance missions at Tripoli in 1910-1912, and the Americans made their first attempts at taking air power to sea as early as 1910-1911.
    [Show full text]
  • FAA Order 8130.2H, February 4, 2015
    U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL AVIATION ADM INISTRATION ORDER 8130.2H 02/04/2015 National Policy SUBJ: Airworthiness Certification of Products and Articles This order establishes procedures for accomplishing original and recurrent airworthiness certification ofaircraft and related products and articles. The procedures contained in this order apply to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) manufacturing aviation safety inspectors (ASI), to FAA airworthiness AS Is, and to private persons or organizations delegated authority to issue airworthiness certificates and related approvals. Suggestions for improvement of this order may be submitted using the FAA Office of Aviation Safety (AVS) directive feedback system at http://avsdfs.avs.faa.gov/default.aspx, or FAA Form 1320-19, Directive Feedback Information, found in appendix I to this order. D G!JD Cf1 · ~ David Hempe Manager, Design, Manufacturing, & Airworthiness Division Aircraft Certification Service Distribution: Electronic Initiated By: AIR-1 00 02/04/2015 8130.2H Table of Contents Paragraph Page Chapter 1. Introduction 100. Purpose of This Order .............................................................................. 1-1 101. Audience .................................................................................................. 1-1 102. Where Can I Find This Order .................................................................. 1-1 103. Explanation of Policy Changes ................................................................ 1-1 104. Cancellation ............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Ff 89/6 Copy
    $3 vol libre • free flight 6/89 Dec - Jan POTPOURRI SAC was informed by Sport Canada on the 10th of July that we are not eligible for funding for 1989-90 and until further notice. Thus we are now totally on our own. The average yearly grant from 1979 to 1988 in 1989 dollars was $14,000, or $16 per person. Perhaps it’s a good thing as planning in an atmosphere of doubt is not conducive to good health and efficient use of funds. The cutback was not unexpected and steps were taken early on to ease the effects of this loss of revenue. Imaginative planning in our small store and a good response from our members through the use of the “Soaring Stuff” inserts resulted in in- creased sales. We will also receive higher than projected invest- ment income essentially due to careful cash management and short-term interest rates, which have remained higher for longer than generally expected. In addition, a small gain in projected receipts from an unexpected increase in membership – now at 1423 – which is the first time since 1982 that we have passed 1400. Total expenditures should come in well below budget projection, primarily as a result of scaling back meetings and travel expenditures. On balance it seems fair to say that a combination of some tight fistedness on the expenditure side and a bit of luck on the revenue side will leave SAC in a financially stronger position than was expected at the beginning of the season, despite the cutting off of govern- ment funding.
    [Show full text]
  • Finding Aid to the Purdue Air Race Classic Team Papers, 1994-2005
    FINDING AID TO THE PURDUE AIR RACE CLASSIC TEAM PAPERS, 1994-2005 Purdue University Libraries Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center 504 West State Street West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2058 (765) 494-2839 http://www.lib.purdue.edu/spcol © 2013 Purdue University Libraries. All rights reserved. Revised by: Amanda Burdick, December 8, 2016 Processed by: Mary A. Sego, January 7, 2013 Descriptive Summary Creator Information Eiff, Mary Ann, 1944- Title Purdue Air Race Classic Team papers Collection Identifier UA 54 Date Span 1994-2005, predominant 1994-1998 Abstract The papers feature Purdue Air Race Classic team photographs, clippings, correspondence, general race information; including participant lists and race results, Purdue team updates provided throughout the races and Air Race Classic programs which document Purdue’s involvement in the races from 1994 – 2005. The papers also contain numerous clippings about the tragic plane crash that occurred at the Purdue Airport in September 1997, which killed Purdue Air Race Classic team member, Julie Swengel, fellow student, Anthony Kinkade and their instructor, Jeremy Sanborn. Included are Sanborn’s and Swengel’s memorial booklets. The materials were provided by Mary Ann Eiff, Purdue assistant professor of Aviation Technology and faculty adviser for Purdue Women in Aviation. Extent 1 cubic feet (2 mss boxes) Finding Aid Author Mary A. Sego, 2013 Languages English Repository Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center, Purdue University
    [Show full text]
  • Bell 429 Product Specifications
    BELL 429 SPECIFICATIONS BELL 429 SPECIFICATIONS Publisher’s Notice The information herein is general in nature and may vary with conditions. Individuals using this information must exercise their independent judgment in evaluating product selection and determining product appropriateness for their particular purpose and requirements. For performance data and operating limitations for any specific mission, reference must be made to the approved flight manual. Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, including without limitation any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to the information set forth herein or the product(s) and service(s) to which the information refers. Accordingly, Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. will not be responsible for damages (of any kind or nature, including incidental, direct, indirect, or consequential damages) resulting from the use of or reliance on this information. Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. reserves the right to change product designs and specifications without notice. © 2019 Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. All registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. FEBRUARY 2019 © 2019 Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. Specifications subject to change without notice. i BELL 429 SPECIFICATIONS Table of Contents Bell 429 ..................................................................................................................................1 Bell 429 Specification Summary (U.S. Units) ........................................................................4
    [Show full text]
  • Bendix Air Races Collection
    Bendix Air Races Collection Melissa A. N. Keiser 2020 National Air and Space Museum Archives 14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway Chantilly, VA 20151 [email protected] https://airandspace.si.edu/archives Table of Contents Collection Overview ........................................................................................................ 1 Administrative Information .............................................................................................. 1 Biographical / Historical.................................................................................................... 2 Scope and Contents........................................................................................................ 2 Arrangement..................................................................................................................... 3 Names and Subjects ...................................................................................................... 3 Container Listing ............................................................................................................. 5 Series 1: Bendix Trophy Races, General Information.............................................. 5 Series 2: Bendix Trophy Races by Year, 1931-1947............................................... 6 Series 3: Bendix Trophy Race Commemorations, 1985........................................ 15 Series 4: Bendix Public Relations and Advertising, Special Projects..................... 16 Series 5: Bendix Corporation, Miscellaneous.......................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Rethinking Strategic Advantages of Air Supremacy in Modern Warfare Revista De Derecho, Núm
    Revista de Derecho ISSN: 0121-8697 [email protected] Universidad del Norte Colombia Melamed Visbal, Janiel David New Wars, New Challenges: Rethinking Strategic Advantages of Air Supremacy in Modern Warfare Revista de Derecho, núm. 44, julio-diciembre, 2015, pp. 226-246 Universidad del Norte Barranquilla, Colombia Available in: http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=85141031010 How to cite Complete issue Scientific Information System More information about this article Network of Scientific Journals from Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal Journal's homepage in redalyc.org Non-profit academic project, developed under the open access initiative artículo de investigación New Wars, New Challenges: Rethinking Strategic Advantages of Air Supremacy in Modern Warfare* Nuevas guerras, nuevos desafíos: Repesando las ventajas estratégicas de la supremacía aérea en las guerras modernas DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14482/dere.44.7174 Janiel David Melamed Visbal** Universidad del Norte (Colombia) * The following article is the result of research, regarding international security, new wars and asymmetrical armed conflicts, developed within the framework of the “Agenda Internacio- nal” research group. ** Lawyer and holds a M.A. in Government, Homeland Security and Counterterrorism from the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy (IDC-Israel). He is a full time profes- sor within the Department of Political Science and International Relations of the Universidad del Norte (Colombia), and is currently enrolled in a doctoral degree program in International Secu- rity at the Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), through the Instituto Uni- versitario General Gutiérrez Mellado (IUGM). [email protected] / [email protected] REVISTA DE DERECHO N.º 44, Barranquilla, 2015 ISSN: 0121-8697 (impreso) ISSN: 2145-9355 (on line) 226 Abstract The objective of the following article is to conduct an analysis of air power and its role in modern warfare.
    [Show full text]
  • Oxygen Systems
    OXYGEN SYSTEMS AEROX HIGH-DURATION AVIATION AEROX PRO-O2 EMERGENCY OXYGEN SYSTEMS HANDHELD OXYGEN SYSTEMS Add to your flying comfort by using oxygen Provides oxygen until the aircraft can reach a lower at altitudes as low as 5000 ft. Aerox Oxygen altitude. And because Pro-O2 is refillable, there is no CM Systems include lightweight aluminum cyl in- need to purchase replacement O2 cartridges. During ders, regulators, all hardware, flow meter, short flights at altitudes between 12,500ft. MSL and and nasal cannulas (masks available as 14,000ft. MSL where maneuvering over mountains or turbulent weather option). Oxysaver oxygen saving cannulas is necessary, the Pro-O2 emergency handheld oxygen system provides & Aerox Flow Control Regulators increase oxygen to extend these brief legs. Included with the refillable Pro-O2 is WP the duration of oxygen supply about 4 times, a regulator with gauge, mask and a refillable cylinder. and prevent nasal irritation and dryness. Pro-O2-2 (2 Cu. Ft./1 mask)........................P/N 13-02735 .........$328.00 Aerox 2D Aerox 4M Complete brochure available on request. Pro-O2-4 (2 Cu. Ft./2 masks) ......................P/N 13-02736 .........$360.00 system system AEROX EMT-3 PORTABLE 500 SERIES REGULATOR – AN AIRCRAFT SPRUCE EXCLUSIVE! OXYGEN SYSTEM ME A small portable system designed for the occasional user • Low profile who wants something smaller and less costly than a full • 1, 2, & 4 place portable system. The EMT-3 is also ideal for use as an • Standard Aircraft filler for easy filling emergency oxygen system. The system lasts 25 minutes at • Convenient top mounted ON/OFF valve 2.5 LPM @ 25,000 FT.
    [Show full text]
  • The Reims Air Races
    Reims Air races and the Gordon Bennett Trophy Bleriot's cross-Channel flight excited Europe as nothing else had. The City of Reims and the French vintners of the Champagne region decided to sponsor a week of aviation exhibition and competition, putting up large purses in prize money, the most prestigious being the International Aviation Cup, known as the Gordon Bennett Trophy, after its sponsor, James Gordon Bennett, the flamboyant American publisher of the New York Herald and the Paris Herald. The meet attracted the cream of European society, from royalty and generals to ambassadors and the merely wealthy, to the Betheny Plain outside Reims from August 22 to 29, 1909. While there were to be many other such meets before and after World War 1, none would match Reims for grandeur and elegance or for sheer excitement. The major European manufacturers, all French, entered various events. There were 'planes by Bleriot, Voisin, Antoinette, and Farman, and even several French-built Wrights. The Wrights themselves had passed on an invitation to race at Reims, which was awkward since the Gordon Bennett Trophy was crowned with a large replica of a Wright Flyer. The Aero Club of America, which had sponsored the Scientific American trophy won by Curtiss a year earlier, turned to Curtiss. Curtiss' June Bug was not as well developed a plane as the Wright machines (and possibly the Wrights were hoping to drive this point home if Curtiss failed at Reims) and while it was more maneuverable than the European planes, it was not nearly as fast. 1909 Voisin 1 Curtiss worked feverishly to produce a more powerful engine and stripped down his airplane to give it greater speed.
    [Show full text]
  • The Legendary and Controversial Airpower Theorist Is Debated to This Day
    The legendary and controversial airpower theorist is debated to this day. Douhet By Robert S. Dudney called many things: airpower “prophet,” theorist, evangelist, visionary, charlatan. He is viewed by many as the “father of airpower,” the first to see its true strategic potential. Phillip S. Meilinger, the airpower historian and analyst, called him “the first great air theorist” and “perhaps the most important air theorist.” Douhet’s basic work, The Command of the Air, published in 1921, was the first compre- hensive analysis of airpower. To critics, the name “Douhet” is syn- onymous with a dark side of airpower. They say he articulated a vision glorify- ing the “knockout blow” with fleets of bombers prowling the skies, burning cities, and causing mass death. His book, to critics, stands as the last word on airpower extremism—the idea that airpower alone could win wars. For decades, the writings of Douhet have generated intense debate. The clash of opinion goes on unabated, even though he went to the grave in 1930. “Clearly, Giulio Douhet was a vision- ary,” said military historian I. B. Hol- ley. “With only the scantiest empirical evidence to go on, he visualized the concept of strategic air war. By sheer imagination, he also recognized the necessity of air supremacy or what he called ‘command of the air.’ ” He did all of this by 1915, Holley noted, almost before there even was such a thing as military aviation. Douhet was born on May 30, 1869, in Caserta, near Naples, into a family with a history of military service. Young Douhet was an excellent student, stand- n 1911, Italy went to war with the This long-ago war also had a historic ing first in his class at Genoa Military fading Ottoman Empire.
    [Show full text]