If you remember your world history, then you should know that Ferdinand Magellan was credited for being the first person to circumnavigate the world. Technically, he did not finish the journey as he was killed on the way back to Spain. However, he was the one that headed the expedition, which started with five ships in September 1519 and ended in September 1522 with only one ship left. That means the whole voyage lasted for three years! The 237-man crew had to endure harsh weather, food supply issues, illnesses, deaths and even loss of ships for the whole duration.
Such a thing is unimaginable today, thanks to the advancements in aviation technology. International and domestic travelling had become so much quicker and simpler because of airplanes. Can you even begin to imagine going on a slow boat to China, like people did back in the really old days. In fact, if you make an airplane fly non-stop at 1,000 km/hr, then going around the world will only take you 2-3 days. That is definitely a far cry compared to Magellan’s three-year trip.
So who do we thank for changing the way we travel around the world? There are basically four personalities that have made huge contributions to aviation history – Daniel Bernoulli, the Wright Brothers (Orville and Wilbur) and Carl Gustaf Patrik de Laval.
Daniel Bernoulli
Born in 1700 in the Netherlands, Daniel Bernoulli was just one on the many great mathematicians in the family. However, it is believed that he was the one who perfected the science of flight by applying mathematics to mechanics. He developed the theory called the Bernoulli Principle, which is widely used in aviation and even car racing. Bernoulli discovered that the force of lift would increase if the top of an airplanes wing is curved. Air would then also flow much quicker over the top of the wing compared to underneath, making the pressure greater at the bottom creates the better force of lift.
Wilbur and Orville Wright
Americans Orville and Wilbur Wright share the distinction of being the first in the world to invent and build a successful airplane. On December 17, 1903, they also made the world’s first powered, controlled and with a sustained heavier-than-air human flight. Through the brothers’ invention of the three-axis control, an airplane pilot became able to maintain an airplane’s equilibrium and to steer it effectively. The three-axis control is now a standard for every fixed-wing aircraft.
Carl Gustaf Patrik de Laval (1875)
Carl Gustaf Patrik de Laval was a Swedish engineer and inventor, who made significant contributions on the design of steam turbines. Three years after building a small steam turbine in 1887, he increased the steam jet to supersonic speed with the use of a specially-developed nozzle. The de Laval nozzle, as it is now called, is being used in the production of modern rocket engines.
Aviation Celebratory Coins Set
These Aviation Celebratory Coins Set was produced in honor of the above-mentioned important figures in history. These three beautiful coins are made of Sterling Silver, protected with a plastic casing, are 5.3 cm in size. They are carefully placed in a gold plate, with short biography of each of the celebrity and packed in a lovely red gift box in lacquer finish.
If you know anyone who is an aviation fanatic, this coins will make a great gift set for them. Coins collector will also appreciate this commemorate collectibles made to honour the people in aviation industry.
Collect them from Apple Bazaar
