1903 WRIGHT FLYER
The one that started it all, the Flyer became the first heavier-than-air manned aircraft on Dec. 17, 1903 when Orville Wright took it for a 12-second spin at a makeshift hangar at Kill Devi Hills in Kitty Hawk, N.C. Later in the day, brother Wilbur flew it for 59 seconds. Pilots laid prone while guiding the plane, and twin landing skids begged for a soft touch to ensure a safe landing.
SANTOS-DUMONT DEMOISELLE
One of the most unique models of pioneering-era planes, the Demoiselle (which means "dragonfly") got its name from its insect-like appearance and ultra-light weight. with a fuselage made of bamboo, the Demoiselle measured less than 20 feet long and weighed only 235 pounds. It was the product of Brazilian-born Alberto Santos-Dumont, who was a lover of flying, not greed, and so he gave away the plane's design to anyone who cared to build it. The Demoiselle big hit with a public awed by flight, but not so much with pilots, who were not as impressed with the plane's performance.
Wingspan: 16 ft. 5 in., Length: 19 ft. 8 in., Top Speed: 62 mph
BLERIOT XI MONOPLANE
The most efficient plane of its day, the Bleriot XI was an inspiration for a decade of monoplane design. Louis Bleriot piloted the XI, open cockpit and all, during his famous English Channel crossing on July 25, 1909. His achievement was widely publicized and everyone from sportsmen to the military lined up to buy the Bleriot XI. More than 130 models were built before being phased out after the early part of WWI.
Wingspan: 25 ft. 6 in., Length: 26 ft. 3 in., Height: 8 ft. 10 in., Weight: 661 lbs.
LZ-129 HINDENBURG
At 804 feet long, just 78 short of the similarly doomed Titanic, the Hindenburg was the longest of Germany's famed zeppelins. Equipped with two decks, enough room for 72 passengers and, curiously, a smoking room, the Hindenburg was supposed to be a model for future international passenger transportation. But on May 6, 1937, the dirigible met its fiery demise in Lakehurst, N.J. The cause remains a mystery to this day.
LOCKHEED MODEL 10 ELECTRA
Originally built in 1934, the all-metal Electra was light, fast and luxurious for its day. A limited amount of passengers experienced the luxury of the fastest and longest flights to date, while enjoying heating and sound insulation. In all, 149 Model 10s were built.
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