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The main idea of a helicopter goes way back during the early 1500’s when ancient Chinese played with a hand-spun toy that went upward when it was twisted fast enough. It was a great fertile mind that took this concept and put it on the blueprints. His name was Leonardo Da Vinci. Leonardo Da Vinci had a brilliant mind and was a master at engineering. He made the first drawings of a machine that we now know today as the helicopter. Some machines we use today originate from his work. Though his designs would work theoretically, it would have been impractical to build such a machine. The lack of understanding the true nature of lift would put his ideas out of reach. Also, a powerful source of force was needed, such as an engine, to make his design’s massive structure to become alive. Adequate engines were of no such thing in his time. During the end of the nineteenth century, the invention of the internal combustion engine made it possible to power the colossal machines. But like all inventions, comes problems. The torque of the engine was too weak and would not give output enough power. But as time progressed, the engine improved. On November 13, 1907, a French pioneer, Paul Cornu, made his machine lift off of the ground without assistance for a few seconds. Throughout the 20th century, engine’s complex design became more efficient, powerful, and faster.
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