Otto Lilienthal

Date of Birth: May 23, 1848

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: August 10, 1896

Biography

Otto Lilienthal, born on May 23, 1848, in Anklam, Prussia, was a pioneering German aviator and engineer who is often referred to as the “Glider King.” He was one of the first individuals to make well-documented, repeated, successful gliding flights. Lilienthal’s work laid the foundation for modern aviation and influenced many future aviators, including the Wright brothers. Educated as an engineer, he initially worked in steam engine design and manufacturing. However, his passion for flight led him to study bird flight meticulously. He believed that wing shape and movement were the keys to human flight. In the early 1890s, he constructed several gliders and made over 2,000 flights, meticulously documenting his successes and failures. Lilienthal’s most significant contribution was his methodical approach to flight, emphasizing the importance of aerodynamic surfaces and control. Unfortunately, his life was cut short when he crashed during a flight on August 9, 1896, and succumbed to his injuries the following day.

5 Interesting Facts about Otto Lilienthal

1. Otto Lilienthal was the first person to make well-documented, repeated, successful gliding flights.

2. He held over 2,000 flights before his fatal accident.

3. Lilienthal’s work significantly influenced the Wright brothers and other early aviation pioneers.

4. He meticulously studied and documented bird flight, which heavily influenced his glider designs.

5. Lilienthal authored a book titled “Der Vogelflug als Grundlage der Fliegekunst” (“Birdflight as the Basis of Aviation”), which was published in 1889.