S202011 世界航空技術史における二宮忠八の評価([S20201]機械技術史・工学史(1))

Abstract

Chuhachi Ninomiya, who didn't have access to information about airplane development in Europe and America, succeeded independently in flying a miniature aircraft which resembled a crow. This flight took place 12 years prior to the Wright brothers' success. And he also conceived an aircraft design resembling a jewel beetle. His achievement should be valued more highly. However, his name is not well-known even in Japan, and likewise his name is not present in world aviation history. Approaches to evaluating the achievements of Ninomiya more fairly and to ensure his name become present in world aviation history are examined.