Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone, also experimented with aeronautics in the 1890's. While living in Nova Scotia, Bell embarked on a program of kite tests aimed towards establishing the most stable form of kite capable of carrying a man and an engine. He decided upon the tetrahedral cell kite, a structure found to possess great lift as well as strength. In 1907, a huge tetrahedral kite lifted a man to 200 feet while towed behind a boat, however, a powered version of the kite proved unsuccessful. Nonetheless, Bell's kite experimentation led him to other more conventional designs which eventually resulted in a successful powered aircraft. Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone, also experimented with aeronautics in the 1890's.

While living in Nova Scotia, Bell embarked on a program of kite tests aimed towards establishing the most stable form of kite capable of carrying a man and an engine.

He decided upon the tetrahedral cell kite, a structure found to possess great lift as well as strength.

In 1907, a huge tetrahedral kite lifted a man to 200 feet while towed behind a boat. A powered version of the kite proved unsuccessful.

Nonetheless, Bell's kite experimentation led him to other more conventional designs which eventually resulted in a successful powered aircraft

The tetrahedron is theoretically the strongest, most rigid symmetrical structure that can exist in nature. Cover any two sides of the tetrahedron with fabric, and you have the basic cellular structure that Bell used in his kites.

Note the uncanny similarities between this and the Wright Brothers first designs. Can you figure out what the Wright Brothers gliders and airplanes had that made them successful ?

The Wright BrothersOrville WrightWilbur Wright

First flight of the Wright Flyer I, December 17, 1903, Orville piloting, Wilbur running at wingtip.