Chūhachi Ninomiya
was a Japanese aviation pioneer. He is remembered for his unique aircraft designs - the "Karasu-gata mokei hikouki" ("Crow-type model aircraft", 1891) and the "Tamamushi-gata hikouki" ("Buprestidae, Jewel beetle type flyer", 1893). He designed a flying machine with three engines earlier than the Wright brothers, it contributed to Japan's accumulation of capabilities to design and manufacture aircraft by the 1930s. Early life Chūhachi was born in Yawatahama-ura, Uwa District, Ehime, Uwa District, Iyo Province (now Yawatahama, Ehime). At the age of 12, his father, a local merchant, died, forcing him to take up a job to make a living. While working at a printing office, drug store, and elsewhere, he taught himself physics and chemistry. He also became an expert at making kites and the sale of his original models earned him money for books. Idea for flying In 1887 Chūhachi was conscripted into the Imperial Japanese Army. In November 1889, during maneuvers, he saw crows gliding and ...
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