Designed and built by Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont near Paris in 1906. The 14-bis made a manned powered flight that was the first to be publicly witnessed. It was also the first powered flight made anywhere outside of the United States, as well as the first powered flight by a non-Wright Brothers airplane.
On 23 October, after a series of engine tests and high-speed ground runs Santos-Dumont made a flight of over 160 ft. at an altitude of 10–16 ft. This earned Santos-Dumont the first of aviation prizes for a flight of 25 meters or more. On the morning of November 12th, 1906 the aviation community of France assembled at the Château de Bagatelle’s grounds to witness Santos Dumont’s next flight. Several attempts were made throughout the day. As the sun set, Santos-Dumont attempted one more flight. After 22 seconds, he cut the engine and glided in to land. He had flown over 700 ft., qualifying for the second aviation prize offered for heavier-than-air-aircraft, for a flight of 100 meters or more. This was the last recorded flight of the 14-Bis.
- 300+ Pieces
- This kit produced with Brazilian Freijo Wood and Indian Cane Bamboo grown in Brazil, the same materials used by Santos Dumont for his original plane
- Engine and mechanical details are cast in zamak metal
- Nylon cable stays and photo-etched brass parts
- Beautifully illustrated English instruction manual with full-size plans
