Juan de la Cierva's Historic Autogyro Flight
September 18th, 1928
September 18th, 1928
How Long Ago?
96 years, 5 months, 25 days ago
Location
Etaples, France to the United Kingdom
Category
Transportation & Infrastructure
People
- Juan de la Cierva
Links & References
Tags
Juan de la Cierva's Historic Autogyro Flight
Juan de la Cierva achieved a remarkable feat by successfully flying an Autogyro across the English Channel from the coast of France to Britain. The flight highlighted the capabilities of this innovative flying machine, which combined features of both airplanes and helicopters. Taking off from the French coast, de la Cierva flew at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet before landing safely in the United Kingdom. This crossing was essential for showcasing the Autogyro's practical applications for aviation.
Juan de la Cierva invented the Autogyro.
The flight was approximately 22 miles long.
De la Cierva aimed to demonstrate rotorcraft safety.
This milestone influenced future aviation technology.
What Happened?
In a groundbreaking moment for aviation, Juan de la Cierva completed the first successful crossing of the English Channel in an Autogyro. This innovative rotorcraft, developed by de la Cierva, was designed to offer greater stability and safety than conventional aircraft, particularly at lower speeds and during vertical takeoffs and landings. De la Cierva took off from the small town of Etaples, France, demonstrating not only his invention’s capabilities but also marking a significant milestone in the history of rotorcraft. His flight came at a time when aviation was rapidly evolving, with engineers and inventors pushing the boundaries of flight technology. The journey covered a distance of roughly 22 miles across one of the busiest maritime routes in the world. De la Cierva's successful landing in the UK wrapped up a flight that served as both a personal achievement and a testament to the potential of hybrid aircraft designs.
Why Does it Matter?
The significance of de la Cierva's crossing lies in its demonstration of the Autogyro's potential for practical use in aviation. His success was pivotal in drawing attention to rotorcraft technology and opened the door for further developments in vertical flight. This advancement helped lay groundwork for the eventual creation of helicopters and influenced future designs in the aviation industry, contributing to the evolution of modern flying vehicles.
Discover More Historic Events from September 18th
Uri Attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed
On September 18, 2016, a coordinated assault occurred in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, led by the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed. Armed with automatic weapons and grenades, four attackers infiltrated the Indian Army’s brigade headquarters, resulting in the deaths of nineteen soldiers. The military personnel were engaged in morning preparations when the attack was launched. In the ensuing encounter, all four attackers were killed by the security forces. This incident further exacerbated existing tensions between India and Pakistan.
Continue ReadingAttack on Pakistan Air Force Base Near Peshawar
A violent assault occurred at a Pakistan Air Force base located on the outskirts of Peshawar, resulting in the deaths of two security personnel and 17 worshippers in a mosque, alongside 13 militants. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack, which was executed in a calculated manner, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region. The siege raised concerns about the safety of military installations in Pakistan amid rising militant activities.
Continue ReadingScotland Votes Against Independence
In a significant referendum, Scotland voted against independence from the United Kingdom, with 55% of voters choosing to remain while 45% favored independence. This pivotal decision took place as part of a nationwide poll that engaged millions of Scottish citizens, reflecting their views on national identity, governance, and future relations with the UK. The campaign included intense debates over economic implications, social policies, and cultural identity, ultimately leading to a substantial turnout at the polls.
Continue ReadingMassive Sikkim Earthquake Shakes Region
A significant earthquake measuring 6.9 struck near Sikkim, India, sending tremors across northeastern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and southern Tibet. The quake caused substantial damage to infrastructure in Sikkim, particularly in its capital city, Gangtok, and led to tragic losses of life. Several aftershocks followed, compounding the effects of the disaster and prompting widespread humanitarian efforts. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to reach remote areas to assess and aid those affected.
Continue ReadingBuddhist Monks Protest in Myanmar
In Myanmar, thousands of Buddhist monks began marching in protest against the military government, marking the start of what many would later call the Saffron Revolution. This movement emerged in response to rising fuel prices and perceived government corruption. The monks, donning their saffron robes, gained significant public support as they marched peacefully through Yangon while calling for an end to military rule. Their unique role in the protests highlighted the monks' influence in Burmese society and the people's desire for democratic reforms.
Continue ReadingFirst mailing of anthrax letters from Trenton
On September 18, 2001, letters containing anthrax spores were mailed from Trenton, New Jersey. The letters targeted media outlets and government officials, sparking widespread fear and a national response from law enforcement and health agencies. This incident followed the September 11 attacks and contributed to heightened security measures across the country. The letters included warnings about further attacks, stressing the urgency of the situation.
Continue Reading