Lawrence Hargrave Society secretary Jenny Donohoe reports on aeronautical technologist, explorer, mason and astronomer, Lawrence Hargrave.

In 1890s a small number of inventive technologists were working to translate infant aviation theory into airplanes. Leading the race was Hargrave. A gifted explorer, astronomer, amateur historian, and practical inventor, he devoted most of his life to constructing a machine that would fly. He believed passionately in open communication within the scientific community and would not patent his inventions, instead scrupulously published the results of his experiments.

The first successful aircraft incorporated three crucial aeronautical concepts developed by Hargrave: (1) the cellular box-kite wing, (2) the curved wing surface, and (3) the thick leading wing edge (aerofoil). His successful experiments were well documented at Stanwell Park, New South Wales, Australia.

In 1889 Hargrave revolutionised engine technology by inventing the ‘radial rotary’ engine, which reappeared (unacknowledged) in modified form in 1908 as the French Gnome engine. His rotating radical engine was extensively used in military aircraft for many years.

In 1893 Octave Chanute, another aviation pioneer, wrote that “if there be one many more than another who deserves to succeed in flying, that man is Lawrence Hargrave of Sydney”. 

Hargrave deserves recognition for his accomplishments and so our new International Terminal at Badgery’s Creek in Western Sydney should be named the Lawrence Hargrave International Terminal.

Support this by sending a submission to our Federal Minister, The Hon Paul Fletcher. 

A copy of a submission is at the society’s website, www.lawrencehargrave.org
Enquiries to lawrencehargravesociety@gmail.com