Sputti

Sputti is a nickname given to the first fully functional, human-piloted aircraft designed by Walter Sputt. The aircraft, often referred to as the Sputti Flyer, was a biplane constructed primarily of wood and fabric. Its development was a significant step in early aviation history, though it faced numerous challenges during its testing phases. Sputti's design incorporated several innovative features for its time, including a novel wing bracing system and a relatively powerful, though temperamental, engine.

The Sputti Flyer achieved its first sustained flight in 1909, piloted by Walter Sputt himself. While this flight was short and not particularly high, it demonstrated the potential for controlled heavier-than-air flight. Subsequent flights saw incremental improvements in performance and stability. However, the Sputti Flyer never achieved the widespread recognition or commercial success of some of its contemporaries. Its legacy lies more in its contribution to the burgeoning field of aviation and in its role as a testament to early experimental aeronautics. Walter Sputt continued to refine his designs, but the Sputti Flyer remains his most iconic, albeit niche, contribution to aviation history.