Cayley's Helicopter

Updated May 8, 2019 | Infoplease Staff

Sir George Cayley's Helicopter design

Sir George Cayley of England (1773–1857) designed the first practical helicopter in 1842–43. He designed and built the first successful man-carrying glider in 1853 and sent his coachman aloft in it on its first flight. He also formulated the basic principles of modern aerodynamics and is the father of British aeronautics.