This collection consists of two scrapbooks and several folders of correspondence, bills and accounting information involving early attempts to develop a flying machine, the flights of the Langley Aerodrome, and the flights of the Wright Brothers at Fort Myer in 1904 and 1908. Covered in detail are the unsuccessful attempts of Emile Berliner and his son Henry to construct a helicopter capable of stable, controllable, forward flight. Also covered is helicopter development in Europe during the same period.
Biographical / Historical:
Emile Berliner (1851-1929) was an inventor best known today for his innovative helicopter designs. He began experimentation with rocket propulsion as early as 1903 and began exploring the possibilities of vertical flight shortly thereafter. After his service in World War I, Emile's son Henry Adler Berliner (1895-?) joined his father in his helicopter experiments. During the early nineteen-twenties, the Berliners produced several helicopter designs. Henry Berliner later became involved in the development of fixed-wing aircraft and in 1929 joined with Temple-Joyce to form Berliner-Joyce.
General:
NASMrev
Provenance:
Col. Henry Berliner, gift, XXXX-0247, NASM
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests
