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 video demonstrates a functioning bicycle built with omni-directional ball wheels instead of traditional wheels. The creator showcases the build process, highlighting the custom-made frame and the challenges of incorporating the spherical wheels. The bike's unique mechanics allow for sideways and diagonal movement, though it requires considerable effort and balance to maneuver, resulting in a slow and somewhat wobbly ride. Despite the unconventional design, the creator successfully demonstrates the bike's ability to move in various directions, proving the concept's feasibility.
Commenters on Hacker News largely praised the engineering and ingenuity of the omni-directional bike. Several expressed fascination with the complex mechanics and control systems required to make it work. Some discussed the potential applications of such a drive system, suggesting uses in robotics or other vehicles. A few questioned the practicality of the design for everyday use, citing potential issues with efficiency, terrain handling, and the learning curve required to ride it. There was also some discussion about the similarities and differences between this design and other omni-directional vehicle concepts. One commenter even offered a mathematical analysis of the kinematics involved.
Summary of Comments ( 345 )
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.