Here’s some fuel for thought: what’s being pumped into the underbellies of the giant jets that fly us around the world? Furthermore, if you’re looking to power up some of your own toys, you might be wondering if you can use it in your car or any other fuel-powered devices. Here’s everything you need to [...]
Usually, a double “F” is a bad thing, but this Grumman FF fighter biplane was a winner if I ever saw one. Between its bulbous, tear drop-shaped body and its nickname “Fifi,” this plane is sure to capture your hearts—if it hasn’t already. Design and Development The Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation was formed in late [...]
If you’ve ever ridden a roller coaster, you may have felt a sense of weightlessness followed by abrupt heaviness. Going over bumps, through corkscrews, and around loops nearing a speed of 100 mph contributes to all those sensations—it’s also why you may feel a little queasy after getting off the ride. Roller coasters cause you [...]
On September 19, 1783, a duck, a sheep, and a rooster all made history as the first passengers to ever travel through the air in a balloon. While their names didn’t go down in the history books, the names of the balloon’s inventors certainly did. The Montgolfier Brothers Beginning in France during the late 18th [...]
The Lightweight Fighter Mafia contributed to the F-16 Fighter Falcon design used today. As founding members of the Fighter Mafia, John Boyd and Tom Christie did more than attract controversy by advocating for a new US air combat doctrine. The informal group wanted military reform in one way—do more with less. Boyd made his mark [...]
When we think of Marilyn Monroe, we think of a seductive superstar of the 1950-60s. We think of Joe DiMaggio. We think of John F. Kennedy. We think of… airplanes? Born Norma Jeane Mortenson, this forever famous actress and model’s career came to be from her time working in an airplane factory. The Rise of [...]
Long before Neil Armstrong made one giant leap for mankind (or, you know, didn’t, if that’s your belief), NASA’s work was a lot closer to home. In fact, it had nothing to do with aerospace at all. At least, not technically. The NASA we know and love today grew out of a federal agency founded [...]
Not all vampires suck, you know. Not all vampires can fly, either. In both American and European folklore, only some can. But Bram Stoker’s Dracula, The Little Vampire, and The Lost Boys all could fly. So could this de Havilland Vampire. And fly it did. Britain’s Second Jet-Powered Aircraft Post-WWII In 1941, the de Havilland [...]
Jumping on a plane to use up some of those vacation days is, in my opinion, always a good idea. However, many people are thinking twice before taking their rightfully earned paid time off. Have you ever gotten weird vibes from a coworker over taking vacation—for using the days you’ve earned? Whether it be weird [...]
With how popular commercial flying is today, it's hard to believe the multi-billion-dollar industry ever served anyone other than its passengers. Airplane development in World War 1 encouraged officials to consider the potential of using planes for fast commercial and mail transportation. By early 1918, Congress approved $100,000 to experiment with an air mail route. [...]
