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139th Anniversary of birth of Santos Dumont - The great debate


#1  2012-07-20 12:33:12

wjwoodward
Brazil Animator
wjwoodward
From: Macaé, Rio de Janeiro
Registered: 2010-06-20
Posts: 2247

139th Anniversary of birth of Santos Dumont - The great debate

Today marks the 139th anniversary of the birth of Alberto Santos Dumont, who Brazilians consider the "Father of Aviation". It is a subject that sparks heated debate not only between Brazilians and Americans, but also worldwide. There are also others who have been given the same title in their own countries.

I found a very informative website that gives a clear and decisive answer to the debate. Why if the Wright Brothers flew in 1903 and Santos Dumont in 1906 is he considered here as "Pai do Aviação"?

http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/hi … 0189.shtml

National pride! Maybe so and maybe not. It all depends on how you define the words "flight" and "heavier than air aircraft". The French used the most technical and restrictive terms in their decision that the Wright Brothers DIDN'T come first.

One thing for certain, Santos Dumont is the inventor of the first monoplane (single wing aircraft). He designed, built and flew "La Demoiselle" (the Dragonfly) while living in France. While Brazilians also believe that he also invented the wristwatch this is not true; it had been invented years before by Pateck Philipe and Dumont only made wearing a wristwatch popular for men.

Cheers,
William James Woodward - Brazil Animator, Expat-blog

Last edited by wjwoodward (2012-07-20 16:55:17)




 
 
 

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