Wings Questions 5: Alexander Schlater

2. Discuss the beginning of supersonic flight research in the United States and whether or not this technology was a priority.

Supersonic technology began, like so many others, as a theoretical  problem. Fluid dynamics, seemingly straightforward at low speeds, change dramatically once approaching the speed of sound. While this could be observed in wind tunnels, it played no role in the period planes flying at less than a third that speed. Advancements continued, however, and as planes flew faster and faster, physicists realized that it was an issue that could not remain theoretical much longer. Now, with planes asymptotically reaching their speed limits, it seemed simply upping the current technology would not suffice. An all new technology would be required to account for the changing physics at these high speeds. Thus began the development of better and faster wind tunnels, radical innovations in engines and general flight mechanics, and ideas towards a practical, piloted, supersonic flight.

As for whether or not supersonic flight was a priority depends on the group being viewed. For formal aeronautical organizations and the companies building the components, such a technological shift would cause a equally dramatic shift in the creation of aeronautical equipment, thus were these notions largely rejected. What truly became the driving force behind supersonic technology were the individuals pursuing it for scientific purposes, with dreams of what could arise from such technologies.

5. How did the U.S. view the launch of the Russian satellite Sputnik and what was the reaction?

The launch of the Russian satellite Sputnik sparked a revelation in the United States. Despite striving to be the leaders in aerospace technology, the nation was surpassed by none other than their rivaling superpower. Being the the sole technology in space could also potentially give the Russians a deadly advantage over the United States should a conflict erupt. These factors drove the nation toward space from every angle. The government backed space programs, NASA formed to further space bound technology, community interest in space skyrocketed, and theoretical science surrounding the conditions of space surged. While the reaching of space by the United States would almost certainly have found its way in time, purely through curiosity, It certainly would not have happened so quickly as having been motivated by outperforming the Russians and asserting technological and scientific dominance over the world.

10. Support or refute the statement that aviation was the most important military technology since the invention of gunpowder.

War began with simple brute force. Once, however, one weaker human discovered a creative way to overpower a stronger one using tools, weapons came to be, and have been used ever since. The progression began with using stronger  and more malleable materials to form weapons. Then shifted utilizing distance and versatility. The most defining advancement, however, was the invention of gunpowder. Using combustion as a means of propelling various things towards one's enemy was the concept behind every weapon to follow. Even now, missiles, grenades, and guns make up a large part of military arsenals. What then could have as much of an impact as the invention of gunpowder. Aviation was arguably such an invention. Beginning with simple reconnaissance missions, the airplane has since allowed for global wars fought from home, striking the hearts of countries without any need for pushing past the front,  and ultimately changing the face of war. While the weapons still have not changed much, the invention of the airplane has more drastically changed the battlefield than any other technology.