Studies in the History of Science and TechnologyStudies in the History of Science and TechnologyВопросы истории естествознания и техники0205-96062713-041XRussian Academy of Sciences69941310.7868/S2713041X25060045From the History of TechnologyИз истории техникиResearch ArticleTHE ROLE OF SCIENCE IN THE CREATION OF AN AIRPLANEРОЛЬ НАУКИ В СОЗДАНИИ САМОЛЕТАSobolevD. AСоболевД. Аdaso1152@mail.ruS. I. Vavilov Institute for the History of Science and Technology, Russian Academy of SciencesИнститут истории естествознания и техники им. С. И. Вавилова РАН15122025464VOL 46, NO4 (2025)ТОМ 46, №4 (2025)64768925122025Copyright ©; 2025, Russian Academy of SciencesCopyright ©; 2025, Российская академия наук2025Russian Academy of SciencesРоссийская академия наукhttps://gynecology.orscience.ru/0205-9606/article/view/699413

For the first time in Russia, the article examines the role of science in the creation of an airplane. At first glance, the role of science in the development of technology seems to be obvious, as scientists’ works promote the advancement of technology. However, in early aviation, it was different: based on Newton’s conclusions, the opinion began to prevail in mechanics that heavier-than-air vehicle flight was impossible, and governments refused to provide funding for building aircrafts. The situation was saved by the efforts of the engineers-experimenters who, while studying the aerodynamic forces acting on the wing in the air flow, proved that it was possible to create bird-like machines with an engine and a man on board. This made possible the flight on a glider and, subsequently, on an airplane.

В статье впервые в России рассматривается роль науки в создании самолета. На первый взгляд, роль науки в развитии техники очевидна — работы ученых способствуют техническому прогрессу. Но в сфере авиации сначала все было по-другому: на основе выводов И. Ньютона в механике стало преобладать мнение, что полет на аппарате тяжелее воздуха невозможен, и денег на постройку самолетов или вертолетов власти не давали. Ситуацию спасли усилия инженеров-экспериментаторов, которые при изучении аэродинамических сил, действующих на крыло в воздушном потоке, доказали возможность создания птицеподобных машин с двигателем и человеком на борту. Это позволило освоить полеты на планере, а затем и на самолете.

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