While the Wright brothers are widely credited with inventing the airplane, in Brazil, Alberto Santos-Dumont holds that honor. Brazilians argue that Santos-Dumont's 14-bis, unlike the Wright Flyer, achieved sustained, controlled flight without the assistance of launch rails or catapults, making it the first true airplane. This national pride is reflected in official records, educational materials, and public monuments, solidifying Santos-Dumont's legacy as the aviation pioneer in Brazil.
The northern bald ibis, once widespread, is now critically endangered and has forgotten its migratory route. Conservationists are attempting to re-teach this instinct by leading young ibises on a migration from Austria to Italy using ultralight aircraft. This arduous process, involving months of preparation and navigating complex logistics, is crucial for the species' survival as it connects them with vital wintering grounds and fosters a new generation of birds capable of migrating independently. The project faces ongoing challenges, highlighting the delicate and intensive work required to restore endangered migratory patterns.
HN commenters generally enjoyed the New Yorker article about teaching whooping cranes to migrate. Several expressed admiration for the dedication and ingenuity of the conservationists involved in the project. Some drew parallels to human behavior, like imprinting and learned behaviors, while others highlighted the fragility of ecosystems and the importance of such interventions. A few questioned the long-term viability and ethical implications of such intensive human involvement in animal migration patterns, wondering about the cost and if it's truly sustainable. There was some brief discussion of other conservation projects and the challenges they face.
The author recounts their visit to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, specifically to see the XB-70 Valkyrie. They were deeply impressed by the sheer size and unique design of this experimental supersonic bomber, describing its presence as awe-inspiring and otherworldly. The post focuses on the aircraft's visual impact, highlighting features like the drooping wingtips and massive size, alongside numerous high-quality photographs showcasing the plane from various angles. The author emphasizes the privilege of witnessing such a rare and significant piece of aviation history, capturing their personal sense of wonder and the enduring legacy of the XB-70.
HN commenters generally express awe at the XB-70's ambitious design and capabilities, with several noting its stunning appearance and sheer size. Some discuss the technical challenges overcome in its creation, like the unique compression lift generated by its wingtips and the complex fuel system needed for Mach 3 flight. Others lament the project's cancellation, viewing it as a missed opportunity for advancements in supersonic flight. A few commenters offer personal anecdotes about seeing the aircraft in person, highlighting the visceral impact of witnessing such a large and unusual plane. The impracticality of the XB-70 as a bomber due to advancements in surface-to-air missiles is also mentioned, along with its later contributions to supersonic research. A recurring theme is the romanticism surrounding the project, representing a bygone era of ambitious aerospace engineering.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43442588
Hacker News users discuss the cultural and historical context around the invention of the airplane, acknowledging Brazil's strong belief that Alberto Santos-Dumont is the rightful inventor. Several commenters point out that the criteria for "invention" are debatable, with some emphasizing controlled, sustained flight (favoring the Wright brothers) while others prioritize public demonstrations and reproducibility (favoring Santos-Dumont). The complexities of patent law and differing standards of evidence also enter the discussion. Some users mention Santos-Dumont's open-source approach to his designs as a contributing factor to his popularity, contrasting it with the Wright brothers' more secretive approach. The general sentiment reflects an understanding of Brazil's perspective, even if not everyone agrees with it, and highlights how national narratives shape historical interpretations.
The Hacker News post, titled "The Wright brothers invented the airplane, right? Not if you're in Brazil," which links to a Washington Post article about the same topic, has generated a significant number of comments discussing the controversy surrounding the invention of the airplane.
Several commenters point out that while Santos-Dumont achieved significant feats in heavier-than-air flight, particularly his public demonstrations in Europe, the Wright brothers were the first to achieve controlled, sustained flight with a heavier-than-air powered aircraft. They highlight the importance of the Wright brothers' three-axis control system, which allowed for maneuverability and stability, a crucial element lacking in Santos-Dumont's early designs, which were essentially dirigibles with wings attached.
Some comments delve into the nuances of the debate, acknowledging Santos-Dumont's contributions while maintaining that the Wright brothers deserve the primary credit. They point to Santos-Dumont's later acknowledgment of the Wright brothers' priority. One commenter even quotes Santos-Dumont as saying, "They are the fathers of the aeroplane, as I am the father of the dirigible." These commenters highlight the importance of differentiating between controlled and uncontrolled flight, arguing that while others may have briefly gotten airborne, the Wrights were the first to truly master the principles of flight.
Another line of discussion revolves around the nationalistic undertones of the debate. Some commenters suggest that Brazil's claim for Santos-Dumont is rooted in national pride and a desire to celebrate a homegrown hero. They argue that this nationalistic sentiment sometimes overshadows the objective historical record. Conversely, others argue that the narrative around the Wright brothers has also been influenced by American exceptionalism.
A few comments discuss the role of publicity and documentation in shaping public perception of the invention. The Wright brothers initially flew in relative secrecy, concerned about patent protection, while Santos-Dumont conducted his flights very publicly. This difference in approach, some suggest, contributed to Santos-Dumont's greater fame in Europe, especially in the early years of aviation.
Finally, some commenters offer more technical insights, comparing and contrasting the designs of the Wright Flyer and Santos-Dumont's 14-bis, highlighting the technical advancements made by the Wright brothers in terms of wing warping and propeller design. They also debate the significance of taking off from a rail, as the Wright Flyer did, versus taking off from a flat field. The discussion generally concludes that the Wright brothers did build and successfully fly a controlled and steerable heavier-than-air powered aircraft first, but it's a complex subject with room for nationalistic interpretations and technical nuances.