History of Oceania

Why were gliders invented?

The earliest designs for gliders (or ornithopters, as they were more commonly called) were created by the pioneering scientists and engineers of the Renaissance. The first sketches of ornithopters were produced by Leonardo da Vinci in the early 16th century, and many other inventors from the period drew up designs for human-powered flying machines. While none of these early prototypes ever flew successfully, they laid the foundation for the future of aviation.

As the centuries went by, gliders became a popular hobby and sport, used by enthusiasts to make short flights and soar peacefully through the air. This eventually led to the development of powered aircraft, such as airplanes and helicopters.