Ibn Firnas and His Contribution to the Aviation Technology of the World

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Title: Ibn Firnas and His Contribution to the Aviation Technology of the World
Series:
Published by: Advances in Natural and Applied Sciences
Release Date: 2013
Genre: ,

ABSTRACT

        As early as the 9th century A.D., a Muslim scholar named ‘Abbas Ibn Firnas pioneered the study of aviation. Ibn Firnas invented a gliding device which managed to be airborne for a short duration of time. Although he was badly injured during a bad landing, he successfully pioneered the theory on the structure of ornithopter which is a vital component for aircraft stability during landing. This article unveils the early history of aviation beginning from the early period of Islamic golden age to the 20th century A.D. that has witnessed Western effort in introducing machine in aircraft. This research employs a qualitative method via library research and document analysis. It argues that the invention of ornithopter by ‘Abbas Ibn Firnas has inspired the West to further develop the aviation technology thus influenced the modern method of flying. Therefore, naturally ‘Abbas Ibn Firnas should be recognised as ‘the father of the aviation field’ for his invaluable contribution to the contemporary field of aviation technology of the world.

Key words: Ibn Firnas, Islamic civilisation, Technology, Flight, Aviation