Flying in the sky has been a dream of all mankind since ancient times. This universal dream at all times was fulfilled by two Americans, the Wright Brothers, who successfully made the first manned, powered flight in the early 20th century. On 18 March 1911, a Belgian aviation pioneer Charles Van den Born flew a Henry Farman biplane from the beach in Sha Tin, making the first powered flight in Hong Kong. Therefore year 2011 marks the centenary of powered flight in the city. 

For more than a hundred years after the invention of aeroplanes, the aviation industry has experienced tremendous development. In the 21st century, the industry has a great leap forward in respect of aircraft design being benefited by advanced science and technology. The European Airbus A380 is currently the largest airliner with a maximum carrying capacity of 853 passengers. For the U.S. Boeing 787 Dreamliner, half of its main structure is made of strong and lightweight composite materials for enhanced energy efficiency.

To commemorate the milestone of aviation development in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Space Museum will present an Omnimax film“Legends of Flight”. The film will not only show the audience aircraft designs of different eras but also bring them to have a flight test of Boeing 787 with a chief test pilot, witnessing the research and development of this iron bird of a new generation.

Credit: Stephen Low Distributuib Inc.

Gliders made of lightweight composite materials have no power device. They rely on long thin wings to increase the lift and to reduce the air resistance, enabling them to glide in the sky.

Credit: Stephen Low Distributuib Inc.

Jet engines are commonly used in modern airliners. Its design is simpler than that of the piston engine used in old planes and it can produce much greater power to weight ratio. The picture shows the perspective drawing of a jet engine.

Credit: Stephen Low Distributuib Inc.

The carbon structure shown in the diagram is the most important component of composite materials.

Credit: Stephen Low Distributuib Inc.

The wings and fuselage of Boeing 787 Dreamliner are made of carbon fibre threads shown in the picture.

Credit: Stephen Low Distributuib Inc.

To facilitate loading and unloading, four specially modified Boeing 747 airliners called “Dreamlifters” were used to transport the major assemblies of Boeing 787 from contractors all over the world to U.S. for assembly.

Credit: Stephen Low Distributuib Inc.

This is the plant for final assembly of Boeing 787 in Washington, U.S.

Teacher's Guides 1

Teacher's Guides 2

Front stalls $24, Stalls $32 (Standard)
Front stalls $12, Stalls $16 (Concession)
 -  Concession is applicable to full-time students, people with disabilities and senior citizens aged 60 or above
 -  Children under 3 years old will not be admitted 

Showing from 1 May 2011 to 31 October 2011