description Samuel Langley Overview
Samuel Pierpont Langley was an American scientist, Smithsonian administrator, and aviation researcher. As the Smithsonian Institution's third secretary, serving from 1887 to 1906, he supervised experiments with tandem-wing aircraft called aerodromes. On May 6, 1896, his Aerodrome No. 5 made the first successful flight of an unpiloted, engine-driven, heavier-than-air craft of substantial size.
His later attempt to build a piloted Aerodrome did not achieve sustained flight.
help Samuel Langley FAQ
Who was Samuel Langley?
Samuel Pierpont Langley was an American scientist, Smithsonian administrator, and aviation researcher. He served as the Smithsonian Institution's third secretary from 1887 to 1906.
What was Langley's Aerodrome?
The Aerodrome was a tandem-wing aircraft used in Langley's experiments with powered flight. He supervised tests of the design while working on early aviation research.
When did Samuel Langley's Aerodrome fly?
One of his Aerodrome experiments took place on May 6, 1896. The work was part of his effort to develop a powered aircraft before the Wright brothers' successful 1903 flights.
What did Samuel Langley do at the Smithsonian?
He was the Smithsonian Institution's third secretary and held that position from 1887 to 1906. During that period, he also pursued scientific research into mechanical flight.
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