- Paul Cornu
Paul Cornu (born 1881 in
Lisieux ,France , died6 June ,1944 ) was a French engineer who manufacturedbicycle s by trade.Cornu designed the world's first manned
rotary wing aircraft and made the first piloted free flight with it at Lisieux,Calvados , France onNovember 13 ,1907 . This first flight lifted Cornu about 30 cm (1 ft) and lasted 20 seconds. This is sometimes recognized as the first free (but impractical)helicopter flight with a passenger. This first helicopter was powered by a 24-horsepowerAntoinette engine. [ [http://www.eurocopter.com eurocopter.com] ]The helicopter was not maneuverable however, and the construction was abandoned after a few flights.
Previously, another French helicopter, the Bréguet-Richet I, had managed to lift off by its own power, but it had been held in position by men standing on the ground.
Cornu died on June 6, 1944, when his home was destroyed during the bombardment that accompanied the Normandy landings.
References
External links
* [http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Dictionary/Cornu/DI18.htm U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission - about Paul Cornu]
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