American Pre- World War I: Aviation Industry--Other Early Aviators (1903-16)
Figure 1.--Other early American aviators were more interested in publicity and showing off their planes than the Wrights. Here is a public exhibition of Glenn's Curtiss' early biplane, about 1911. America did not enter World War I or begin preparing to enrter until 1917. As a result, all the advanced World War I aircraft were European, including the aircraft Americana aviators flew during the War. America was producing some advanced aircraft engimes, but before production could be ramped up, the war ended. If the War had continued, American production would have helped support a massive strategic bombing campaign.
There was popular interest when it was announced that heavier than air flight was possible. There were condierable skepticism, however, espeially in Europe where severl groups were working on planes. Most did not believe that two unknown bicycle mechanics had solved the problems thaey had encountered in developing flying machines. The Wrights did some flights for reporters, but did not launch an important public exhibition camapaigm. And began demanding a signed contract before giving a de,onstration. The Wrights were more concerned with maintaing secrecy and a patent struggle. After their success, actually dismatled their Flyer and kept their design innovations a carefully guarded secret. Others were more interested in publicity and a few more dlying machines appeared, but the barnstorming demonstrations that aroused so much interest, only occuured after World War I. But in the years before the War we begin to see some demonstrations, mostly by other groups than the Wrights. Boys in particular were attracted with the opportunity to see an airplane and actual flight. Girls were less interested. but the Wright's achievement was a considerabl sebsation. The achievement did not, however, result in much practical development in air commerce because of the very limited limited capabilities of the Wright Flyer and other early aircraft. There was at first no real practical use for these planes. The majpt interest came from the American and European militaries, although limited capabolities mean that there was no huge rush to aquire planes.
