Lawrence Hargrave's image and inventions were on the back of Australian $20 notes for nearly thirty years, yet he remains "extrordinarily anonymous". But Lawrence Hargrave deserves to be called 'The Father of Modern Flight'. His experimental work with kites and wing surfaces was the foundation of controlled human flight. The Wright Brothers acknowledged use of Hargrave's ideas and engineering in enabling their first powered flight.
Hargrave not only developed the aerofoil wing shape required for stable flight, but also the rotary engine that powered many early planes - including most of those flown in the First World War. He refused to patent his inventions, believing they should be available to all, for the benefit of all.
This digital download of the DVD version follows Hargrave's sixty-five year life from birth in Manchester (UK) to his inventive years in Stanwell Park (NSW) and death in Sydney.
The 63 minute video includes observations from journalist Peter Fitzsimons and scientist Dr.Karl Kruszelnicki - as well as historic footage and photos of Hargrave's designs and models. There is also film of the strange and bizarre early flights attempted by those without the knowledge of Hargrave that led to the stable flight and controlled flight we enjoy today.
This is a great visual record of a significant achievement in aviation by one man working in isolation, using hand tools and a makeshift work space. His invention was the catalyst for mankind getting "three feet off the ground to one foot on the Moon within 66 years".
- Narrator: Peter McCallum
- Director: Geoffrey Sykes