Skip to main content

Aviation in 1913: Images from Scientific American's Archives [Slide Show]

A look at the state of flight in 1913 from the archives of Scientific American


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


The new science and art of flight evolved as inventors created machines to fill specific flying purposes. While the storm clouds of World War I gathered, military aviation became predominant.

The increasing capability of flying machines in 1913 showed that they could be used as a tool of travel and, a year before World War I broke out in Europe, as a weapon of war.

>> View a slide show of Aviation from 1913

Scientific American Magazine Vol 308 Issue 2This article was originally published with the title “Aviation in 1913: Images from Scientific American's Archives [Slide Show]” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 308 No. 2 ()