SHORT AVIATION STORIES

Laika, the space dog

On 3rd November 1957, another milestone in space exploration was achieved. On that very day, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2, the first spacecraft to carry an animal into the Earth´s orbit – a space […]

SHORT AVIATION STORIES

Mars Helicopter Ingenuity

On 19th April 2021, the autonomous NASA helicopter Ingenuity made its first flight at Wright Brothers Field on Mars. Ingenuity (also nicknamed Ginny) became the first aircraft to perform powered and controlled extra-terrestrial flight. Although […]

SHORT AVIATION STORIES

Let L-410 Turbolet

On 16th April 1969, the new Czechoslovak short-range, twin-engine transport aircraft L-410 Turbolet successfully completed its maiden flight. The aircraft was designed and developed by LET Kunovice aviation plant. Initially, the aeroplane was intended for […]

SHORT AVIATION STORIES

Swissair

On 26th March 1931, two Swiss airlines – Ad Astra Aero (founded in 1919) and Balair (founded in 1925) – merged to create a new company named Schweizerische Luftverkehr-AG / S.A. Suisse pour la Navigation […]

SHORT AVIATION STORIES

Robinson R44

On 31st March 1990, prototype of R44 helicopter performed its maiden flight. The Robinson R44 was developed in the 1980s by Robinson Helicopter Company. It was based on the manufacturer´s previous successful rotorcraft design, Robinson […]

SHORT AVIATION STORIES

Convair B-58 Hustler

Convair B-58 Hustler was the first operational bomber in the world capable of Mach 2 maximum speed. Development and construction of two prototypes was performed in accordance with the highest security standards. Neither the shape […]

SHORT AVIATION STORIES

Avro 500

On 3rd March 1912, Avro 500 military utility biplane designed by A.V. Roe, performed its maiden flight. The aircraft was assessed as perfectly designed and having exceptional flight characteristics, apart from its top speed and […]