Historical Events tagged with "military aviation"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Accidents & Tragedies

Savoia Flying Boats Crash in Alps

September 7th, 1920 104 years ago

Two Savoia flying boats on a delivery flight to Finland crashed in the Swiss Alps, resulting in the deaths of both crews. The aircraft were part of a larger contract between Italy and Finland, where they were intended to enhance the Finnish Air Force. The crash occurred during the mountainous route, which posed significant challenges for early aviation.

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Military & Warfare

Manfred von Richthofen Wins Aerial Combat

September 17th, 1916 108 years ago

Manfred von Richthofen, known as 'The Red Baron,' achieved his first aerial victory over a British aircraft near Cambrai, France. Piloting a Fokker Dr.I fighter, he engaged and downed an enemy plane, marking the beginning of his legendary status as a top fighter ace in WWI. This engagement not only showcased his flying skills but also solidified his role within the German Luftstreitkräfte, contributing to aerial tactics in modern warfare.

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Military & Warfare

First Naval Air Mission by Greek Aviators

February 5th, 1913 112 years ago

Michael Moutoussis and Aristeidis Moraitinis flew a Farman MF.7 hydroplane to successfully engage in the first naval air mission in history. The mission involved reconnaissance over the Aegean Sea, providing vital information during a period of regional conflict. This pioneering effort showcased the potential of aviation in naval operations and marked a significant advancement in military aviation technology, highlighting Greece's growing interest in air power.

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Military & Warfare

First Aircraft Landing on a Ship

January 18th, 1911 114 years ago

Eugene B. Ely successfully landed his Curtiss pusher aircraft on the deck of the USS Pennsylvania, anchored in San Francisco Bay. This remarkable event marked the first time in history that an aircraft made a landing on a ship, showcasing the potential of naval aviation. Ely's flight demonstrated the feasibility of integrating aircraft into naval operations and took place amidst growing interest in aviation in the early 20th century.

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Science & Technology

Eugene Burton Ely's Historic Aircraft Takeoff

November 14th, 1910 114 years ago

Aviator Eugene Burton Ely made history by executing the first successful takeoff from a naval ship, the USS Birmingham, using a Curtiss pusher aircraft in Hampton Roads, Virginia. This momentous flight resulted from a specially constructed makeshift flight deck on the ship, designed to accommodate this groundbreaking aviation test. Ely's remarkable achievement took place amidst the burgeoning era of military aviation and set the stage for future developments in naval air power.

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