Supersonic in 100, What's Next?
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
October 29, 2003
There's an adage that says to see the future you should look to the past, study history. I wonder if it applies to technology? The advancements made in the last century have been miraculous. Take flight, for example. Without airplanes, we would live in a world reliant on trains and ships to carry us--and all of our things--from one part of the world to the next. Globetrotting from one continent to another in less than a day wouldn't be possible. Learning about other cultures wouldn't be permissible.
We have Wilbur and Orville Wright to thank for flying the first plane on December 17th 1903. What has happened since has been a series of astonishing technological developments, which are no less than revolutionary. To think, in a century's time, we've gone from flying the first plane--weighing 600 pounds and covering a 852 feet in 59 seconds on it's first day of flight--to flying airplanes with engines that weigh into the tons and can cover miles in minutes.
It's not that I'm a tech junkie. I'm no engineer, and I didn't even take physics, but the power of planes is immense, the sheer magnificence of all the parts of an engine, amazing, and the collective flying body is truly awesome. I recently saw the guts of several jet engines at Pratt & Whitney in Hartford, Connecticut; it gave me a new appreciation for the art of the airplane. When you're stepping aboard an aircraft, you're unaware that one engine can weigh as much as eight tons! You have no idea that each part is crafted and selected so carefully to maximize fuel efficiency and longevity. One small blade in the compressor can cost thousands of dollars.
Beyond the parts, you take the whole and what it can do. For example, Singapore Airlines recently announced the launch of the world's longest flight, going from Los Angeles to Singapore in 18 and ½ hours without stopping. The pursuit of technology and capitalism has sent humans to the moon, crafted supersonic planes, and built stealth fliers that don't need a pilot on board. Imagine what will come in the next century.
Check out these places to see and celebrate flight around the country:
Museum of Flight: Seattle, WA. On display are 54 authentic, historic planes in mint condition. The "Great Gallery" explains the history of aviation with dozens of full-size aircraft flying in formation six stories above. You can sit in the cockpit of a real SR-71 Blackbird or F/A-18 Hornet, board America's first Air Force One jet, and see the barn where the Boeing Company was started. There are also kids' workshops on the history of aviation. For more information visit: http://www.museumofflight.org/
The Air Museum Planes of Fame: Chino, CA. Displaying aircraft that span the history of manned flight, this museum houses a replica of the Chanute Hang Glider of 1896 and examples from modern space flight. They also show milestone-achieving test and research flight vehicles. For more information visit: http://www.planesoffame.org/.
Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum: New York, NY. Spread across various ships docked and displayed on the Hudson River, this museum is devoted to remembering those who fought for and defended our country. It features exhibits with artifacts and installations, and the Intrepid is an actual Naval aircraft carrier with an important history. Ride in an A-6 cockpit simulator or visit the Visual Flight Zone. For more information visit: http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/.
Fantasy of Flight: Polk County, FL (between Tampa and Orlando). This is the world's largest private collection of vintage aircraft, as well as an aviation-themed attraction, which takes visitors back in time. It covers World War I, the "Golden Era" during the 1920's and 1930's, WWII, and beyond. For more information visit: http://www.fantasyofflight.com.
Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum: Atchison, KS. See the house where Amelia Earhart was born and lived during her early childhood, which was built by her grandfather, Judge Alfred G. Otis in the early 1860s. It has been restored to its turn-of-the-century condition and features family and personal memorabilia. For more information visit: http://www.ameliaearhartmuseum.org/.
The National Air and Space Museum: Washington D.C.. Located on the National Mall in D.C. as part of The Smithsonian Institution, this museum maintains the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world. A vital center for research as well, the Museum has hundreds of artifacts on display, including the original Wright 1903 Flyer, the "Spirit of St. Louis," Apollo 11 command module, and a lunar rock sample that visitors can touch. For more information visit: http://www.nasm.si.edu/.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: Chantilly, VA (near Dulles). Opening December 15th, this center is being built by the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum to preserve and display its collection of historic aviation and space artifacts. It will provide much needed space for the objects that tell the history of aviation and space flight. Over 200 aircraft and 135 spacecraft will be on display. For more information visit: http://www.nasm.si.edu/.
You don't have to embrace the technology of flight to enjoy it, but we can all be grateful for the ways in which it has shaped the world. After all, it's made adventure an absolute reality.
If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at askamy@travelocity.com And remember to look here for your topic each week!
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