Yep, that says 1540. Joao de Almeida Torto designed a pair of flapping wings that he attached to each of his arms. The design was similar to that of Leonardo da Vinci's drawings of 20 years before. But Torto designed his wings with wood spars and ribs, covered in cloth. He also added a helmet, in the shape of an eagle's head-beak and all. He jumped from the top of a cathedral in front of a large crowd and it is said he "flew" for a moment, gliding with the effort of his flapping arms, but his weight and gravity propelled him downward. The helmet slid down his face, blinding him, but he was able to catch himself and aim at a rooftop. Sadly, he slammed into it so hard, he died of his injuries two days later. Torto is celebrated in Portugal on this day in June, and there is a museum with a model of his wingsuit.
展开▼
