1892
In 1892 Langley began experimenting with
steam power unmanned aircraft, and in 1896 made the first successful
flight any mechanically propelled heavier-than-air-craft, the Aerodrome.
However his aircraft was launched by catapult from a houseboat on the
Potomac River. The Aerodrome never successfully carried a person, thus
prevented Langley from earning the place in history.