John F. Pickering, an inventor from Gonaïves, Haiti, was granted U.S. Patent No. 643,975 for his innovative airship design. His invention featured an aluminum-framed gas dome, directional fans, and adjustable air ducts, allowing for controlled ascent, descent, and navigation—advancements that predated the Wright brothers’ first flight by three years. Pickering’s work stands as a testament to early Black contributions to aviation technology.
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