Octave Chanute

One of the true giants in the development of aviation was Octave Chanute (1832-1910).  He was born in Paris but spent most of his life in the United States working as a civil engineer and scientist.

His book, Progress in Flying Machines (1894), provided one of the first comprehensive guides to the new science of aeronautics.  This text was used extensively by the Wright Brothers in their creation of the first successful powered aircraft.

Octave Chanute conducted important experiments with manned gliders near Chicago, in Miller Beach, Indiana (June/July, 1896) and Dune Park, Indiana (August/September, 1896).  These experiments were studied closely by the Wright Brothers and credited (by Wilbur Wright) with influencing their subsequent work.

After the Wright Brothers successful first flight at Kitty Hawk, NC in 1903, Octave Chanute lectured in Paris on the subject of aeronautic design, which served as the inspiration for a generation of European aircraft developers.

Chanute is believed to be the first to conceive what was later referred to as the Controlwing by George Spratt.  

This page will explore that development in more detail as information is gathered.  Any contributions to that effort would be appreciated.