A B-29 Superfortress, this is the plane that dropped the atomic bomb "Little Boy" on Hiroshima, Japan on August 6th, 1945. Colonel Tibbets named the plane after his mother. It is currently on display at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
2. Glamorous Glennis
Answer: Chuck Yeager
A Bell X-1, this was the first plane to exceed the speed of sound on October 14th, 1947. The plane's name was a tribute to his wife. Yeager was almost unable to make the record-breaking flight after a mishap two days earlier when he broke two ribs falling off a horse.
He retired from the Air Force with the rank of Brigadier General. The aircraft remains one of the first objects on display at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
3. The Spirit of Saint Louis
Answer: Charles Lindbergh
One of the most famous planes in history, this custom-built Ryan Airlines craft carried its pilot from New York to Paris non-stop in 1927. Lindbergh became the first person to fly across the Atlantic Ocean solo, and became one of the most famous people in the world. His feat led to him becoming Time Magazine's first "Man of the Year".
4. Lockheed Electra 10E
Answer: Amelia Earhart
This un-named plane disappeared somewhere over the Pacific Ocean on July 2nd, 1937, while attempting an around-the-world flight. Also aboard was navigator Fred Noonan.
5. Spruce Goose
Answer: Howard Hughes
Despite the name, the aircraft was almost entirely made of birch. It is the largest plane ever constructed of wood. After one highly unofficial flight lasting about one mile, the H-4 Hercules was never flown again. The aircraft is on display at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in Oregon. Hughes was a film impresario, real estate mogul, and aviation enthusiast.
6. Airbus A320
Answer: Chesley Sullenberger
In an incident that became known as the "Miracle on the Hudson", "Sully" ditched the plane on the Hudson River after losing both engines due to a bird strike. All passengers and crew on board survived the unlikely event. US Airways Flight 1549 is currently on display in Charlotte, North Carolina.
7. Fokker DR.I
Answer: Manfred von Richthofen
The Red Baron, Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen, is widely regarded as the greatest fighter pilot of World War I, being credited with 80 "kills". A brightly painted Fokker Dr.I triplane first gave him his nickname. He died in action in April 1918.
8. Gossamer Albatross
Answer: Bryan Allen
This became the first human-powered aircraft to cross the English Channel. The pilot (and engine) was amateur cyclist Bryan Allen, who now has his plane in the Smithsonian. The aircraft weighs a mere 70 pounds.
9. Voyager
Answer: Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager
The first aircraft to circumnavigate the Earth without stopping or refuelling. The feat was accomplished over nine days, beginning on December 14th, 1986. Jeana Yeager (no relation to Chuck Yeager) was the first woman to receive the prestigious Collier Trophy for achievement in aeronautics, first awarded in 1911.
10. Spirit of Freedom
Answer: Steve Fossett
Fossett became the first person to fly around the world during a non-stop, solo flight. The capsule of the balloon is on permanent display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor stedman before going online.
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