This shows a selection of aircraft from 1903 to 1945.

The period from 1903 to 1945 was a transformative era in the history of aviation, marked by groundbreaking developments, technological advancements, and significant milestones. Here is an overview of key events and achievements during this period:

1903:

• December 17: Orville and Wilbur Wright achieve the first powered, controlled, and sustained flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, with their Wright Flyer.

1910s:

• Aviation pioneers like Glenn Curtiss, Louis Blériot, and Roland Garros make important contributions to aircraft design and performance.
• The first passenger flights and air mail services are initiated.

World War I (1914-1918):

• Aircraft are used for reconnaissance, aerial combat, and bombing missions during World War I.
• The development of fighter aircraft and the Red Baron (Manfred von Richthofen) become legendary.

1920s:

• The first non-stop transatlantic flight is completed by Charles Lindbergh in 1927.
• Passenger air travel begins to take off with the establishment of commercial airlines.

1930s:

• Aircraft like the Douglas DC-3 and Boeing 247 revolutionize air travel with improved speed, comfort, and reliability.
• The advent of all-metal monoplane designs marks a shift away from biplanes.
• Amelia Earhart becomes a pioneering female aviator and completes her solo transatlantic flight.

World War II (1939-1945):

• World War II sees rapid advancements in aviation technology, including the development of powerful fighter planes like the Spitfire, P-51 Mustang, and Messerschmitt Bf 109.
• Strategic bombing campaigns and aerial warfare become significant aspects of the conflict.
• The Battle of Britain in 1940 is a pivotal aerial battle between the British Royal Air Force (RAF) and the German Luftwaffe.

1940s:

• The first operational jet aircraft, the Messerschmitt Me 262, is introduced by Germany.
• The United States drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, marking the end of World War II and highlighting the potential for long-range bombers.

Post-World War II:

• The post-war era witnesses the rapid development of commercial aviation, with the introduction of jet airliners like the de Havilland Comet and Boeing 707.
• The Cold War leads to advancements in military aviation, including the introduction of supersonic and high-performance aircraft.
• The Korean War (1950-1953) and the Vietnam War (1955-1975) showcase the role of jet fighters and bombers in modern warfare.

The period from 1903 to 1945 laid the foundation for modern aviation, with innovations in aircraft design, engine technology, and aviation infrastructure. It saw the transition from pioneering flight experiments to the establishment of commercial aviation and the integration of aircraft into military strategies. These developments would continue to shape the future of aviation in the decades that followed.