As a keen student of aviation’s diversity, I find it fascinating how much the grand narrative changes when you travel from country to country. Natives tend to write the history books, and there is a normal bias to the home team in that. Meanwhile the imperial power of the time overlays their version of history and achievement. But anyone can go looking for more depth and the parallel achievements, ‘nearlys’ and also rans, and the internet is rich in such material, for those who bother to look beyond the first returns on any question.

Thank you for the pointer to Traian Vuia, an interesting story.

I would politely suggest anyone aiming to enlist support and have their unique history and achievements and records recognised might best not start with ‘For us ,all English spokers are the same .’

It’s also a common misconception that the honour, glory, and not least cash should go to the first or ‘best’ in any field. That might be just or in some way appropriate, but the reality remains that successful – by whatever means – remains the achievement that makes the difference.

Coand? and von Ohan deserve the credit they get, but they were stopped short by timing and circumstance and (sadly perhaps) their achievements mis-measured. However von Ohan’s work did feed into the postwar jet development, but I remain unconvinced that Coand?’s pioneering efforts had any actual direct heirs – as Brett says he was too early, and his work significantly different to the path jet development took decades later. Coand?’s aircraft and ideas are impressive and significant achievements, and it’s good to acknowledge his work, of course.

Regards,

2. I’m not British.