Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > Bedfordshire > Cranfield
A lone British inventor thought he d stolen the march on the rocket-age designers of
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Memory Lane
A lone British inventor thought he d stolen the march on the rocket-age designers of
A lone British inventor thought he d stolen the march on the rocket-age designers of Russia and America with what he thought would be the worlds first man-powered aircraft the Ornithopter.
The inventor was Emiel Hartman, 39, a London sculptor. The revolutionary machine had feathered, bird like wings which flapped to obtain both lift and forward speed. The pilot moves them by means of foot pedals and handgrips used like oars.
The Ornithopter is pictured in a hangar at the College of Aeronautics Airfield, Cranfield, Bedfordshire. The aircraft was later towed into the air by car, and then released to perform powered glides.
23/10/1959
NCJ - Kemsley
NCJ Archive
Mirrorpix
London
Greater London
England
Media ID 21628133
© Mirrorpix
Aerospace Airfield Experimental Flying Human Powered Science Technology Man Powered
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> Russia
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Bedfordshire
> Cranfield
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Bedfordshire
> Related Images
> Memory Lane Prints
> Mirror
> 0300to0399
> 00385
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the audacious spirit of Emiel Hartman, a lone British inventor who believed he had outsmarted the rocket-age designers of Russia and America. In his quest to create the world's first man-powered aircraft, Hartman designed the remarkable Ornithopter. With its feathered wings resembling those of a bird, this revolutionary machine relied on flapping motions to achieve both lift and forward speed. The pilot controlled these movements using foot pedals and handgrips akin to oars. The image showcases the Ornithopter in all its glory within a hangar at Cranfield's College of Aeronautics Airfield in Bedfordshire. It was here that Hartman's groundbreaking creation underwent testing before taking flight. To launch it into the air, a car towed the aircraft until it gained enough momentum for powered glides. Dated October 23rd, 1959, this snapshot epitomizes an era defined by aerospace innovation and experimental technology. While commercial use is not mentioned or intended for this invention, one cannot help but marvel at Hartman's determination to push boundaries and challenge conventional wisdom in pursuit of human-powered flight. Preserved by NCJ - Kemsley as part of their Memory Lane Prints collection, this photograph serves as a testament to human ingenuity and our unending fascination with defying gravity through scientific advancements in aviation during the 1950s.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
