Francis Rogallo
 

Not sure of the correct forum for this but thought it would be remiss not to acknowledge the passing (Sep1 at 97 years) of the gentleman who gave us the flexible wing and the hang glider. He and his wife came up with the concept during the 1940s. First manned hang glider flight believed to have occurred in 1961, and Rogallo took up the sport himself at the ripe age of 62. Without doubt he gave wings to thousands, if not millions. RIP

Too right
 

As someone who has obtained much pleasure from flying a hang glider and is not likely to ever fly anything else I second this. :ok:

I'm very sorry never to have met either of the remarkable husband and wife team of Francis and Gertrude Rogallo. You don't need to look far to see their enormous contribution to the aeronautical research. But for many of us the Rogallo wing was their most remarkable achievement. A lot of people have designed, built and flown them over forty odd years and we've all had a tremendous amount of fun thanks to them both.

G

I'm very sorry never to have met either of the remarkable husband and wife team of Francis and Gertrude Rogallo. You don't need to look far to see their enormous contribution to the aeronautical research. But for many of us the Rogallo wing was their most remarkable achievement. A lot of people have designed, built and flown them over forty odd years and we've all had a tremendous amount of fun thanks to them both.

G