Our world has changed drastically since John Joseph Montgomery’s aerodynamics discoveries at SCU: As a species, we are no longer bound to the ground. Transportation, warfare, and trade are just a few things that have been forever altered by the innovations of Montgomery and others.
Fig. 1: A drawing by Montgomery illustrating lift (from The Redwood 1905).
Between 1883 and 1911, Montgomery—a professor and inventor at Santa Clara College—conducted some of the first successful glides in a heavier-than-air ‘flying-machine’ in human history. Montgomery’s success was due to the discovery that a curved—or parabolic—wing resulted in lift (Spearman 1967: 28). Lift is a component of aerodynamic force that propels objects upward. He came to this conclusion through experimentation, and he ultimately built a glider with curved wings that glided successfully through the air (Montgomery 1905: 447). While other engineers made similar discoveries at the same time as Montgomery, contesting whether or not he was the first to do this, the fact remains undisputed that Montgomery played a major role in the development of airplane technology.
Fig. 2: Montgomery with one of gliders, the “Santa Clara.” Notice the curvature of the wings (The Redwood 1905).
Montgomery’s discoveries, as well as those of his contemporary colleagues, triggered many innovations. These innovations led to the development of the motor-operated airplanes that dominated the skies during World War II (Spearman 1967: 251), and airline and cargo planes that continue to shape the lives of people today.
Fig. 3: The various aircraft used in WWII, which began only 28 years after Montgomery’s death in a gliding accident.
Additional Information:
Montgomery Collection at SCU Archives: For more information on Montgomery, his discoveries, and his gliders, visit the Santa Clara University Archives and request their Montgomery collection.
Flying Machines: This article is about Montgomery’s discoveries and what he really should deserve credit for.