[Oscarito]

Hello!

Today I would like to remember a great Hero, who died 80 years ago.

Alberto Santos Dumont
(Born July 20 1873_Palmira, Brazil - Died July 23 1932_Guaruja, Brazil)


He is considered by many people the true "Father" of airplane, since he was the first to take off an aircraft without the aid of any external device such as catapults but only on its engine, and the first to do so in the presence of witnesses, including journalists and cameramen...

Here is a movie about his achievements
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46wadiUA ... =endscreen
Hope You enjoy!

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Santos Dumont in some remarkable moments

Flying a dirigible at Bagatelle, Paris



First fully documented flight of an airplane. Bagatelle, Paris - October 23 1906



Flying his monoplane called "Demoiselle"
This was the first aircraft project built in numbers. Many were built by several aircraft makers from blueprints provided by free...
Some of then were used by French Army during the early weeks of World War One performing reconaissance duties in Belgium.


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Now, just a curiosity. He is also considered the "inventor" of the wrist watch after he adapted his pocket watch to be attached to his wrist in order to keep his hands free during flights. The practice was soon emulated by youth in Paris where he was an idol...

Regards

Oscarito

[Jambo]

Hello Oscarito,

very interesting facts. Didn't know the thing with the wrist watch though! 8)

Thank you very much for sharing!

Jambo

[Deutschmark]

Very nice thank you Oscarito

Deutschmark

[Fireskull]

A kind of trail blazer like this is much appreciated!

Oscarito, thanks for reminding us about Mr. Dumont.



Fireskull

[Planemad]

Hi Oscarito,

If I remember righty, I believe there is a sections at RAF Hendon dedicated to the pioneers of flight, and seeing the pictures you posted I remember seeing them there, and remembering seeing some footage of his attempts, (someone please correct me if I am wrong)

It is great to honor Dumont here, thanks you :)

Planemad

[juanmalapuente]

I love this pioneering times. Santos Dumont deserve great honour for his achievements. Thanks for bringing him to memory, Oscarito.

[Oscarito]

(someone please correct me if I am wrong)

Nothing to be corrected, for sure... :)
I just wanted to remember an almost forgotten man who did much. Of course the Wright brothers have the credits even in the face of poor documentation about their early works since USA midia at that time was not so powerfull as it is nowadays.
Santos, on the other hand, carried out his work at the corner of the world in that period with obvious benefits. :wink:

-S!-