The brothers de Montgolfier were trained in chemistry, physics, and architecture, and became principal directors of the family paper industry. Their genius produced a number of innovative manufacturing techniques which commanded wide notice in that industry. With a growing interest in flying, Joseph commenced active aeronautical experiments in 1771 and was later joined by Etienne. Their initial experiments involved inflammable gas, later called hydrogen. After observing that the products of combustion tended to rise, they produced a successful small silk balloon of four cubic feet. On June 5th 1783, they launched a 309-foot diameter linen and paper spherical balloon, open at the bottom to receive heat from a fire on the ground. The balloon rose to a height of 6000 feet and was aloft for 10 minutes. On September 19th of that same year, from the palace grounds at Versailles, the brothers launched the first living creatures - a duck, a sheep, and a rooster - on a successful 8-minute 2-mile flight in a hot air balloon. This was followed shortly by a larger 79,000- cubic foot capacity balloon carrying its own hot air source as well as a circular gallery for passengers. On November 21st 1783, following a rigid tethered test program, they launched this vehicle on its first manned free flight of 25 minutes duration over Paris. Although denied the privilege of being passengers on this historic first flight of man, it was their genius and spirit which launched mankind on its conquest of the air.
Inducted in 1983.
Portrait Location: Hall of Fame Hallway