Did the Wright Brothers really invent the plane?
Not everyone believes the brothers should take credit
© Getty Images
The history of aviation has followed a fascinating trajectory. Leonardo da Vinci first envisaged manned flight way back in the 15th century. Then came hot-air balloons, followed by gliders and airships, until the Wright brothers' historic powered flight in 1903. Today there are airliners that can carry hundreds of passengers non-stop half way round the world. And space tourism will one day be a reality.
Browse the following gallery and take off for a brief flight through the history of aviation, and meet some of the great pioneers of air travel along the way.
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