Ernest T. Willows was a true pioneer, taking to the skies in the early decades of the 20th century. Today he is largely forgotten. This is the story of his life and death.
I think there are a few factors in how EW was funded.
Firstly, EW's first airships were simple affairs, powered by a motorcycle engine. They wouldn't have cost much to make.
The prize for the first airship flight in Wales was £50. In todays money that is around £5,500. Not an insignificant amount. The prize for the flight from London to Paris was £2,000.
There are also other possible sources of income. Some airships were used for advertising, as EW's reputation grew, companies would have been keen to sponsor him.
Despite possible sources of income, EW was never a wealthy man. Much of what he made from his flights went back into building and designing new airships. The growth in popularity of planes after WW1 took away much of his income and he was forced to tour the country., giving private flights to paying customers to keep his dreams alive.
Thanks, yes. One can speculate that, had he survived, EW might've been involved with the development of tethered blimps used for military purposes in WW2. Although, as these were without motive power, perhaps not.
EW was certainly involved in WW1 so I think its likely he would have had some involvement in WW2 (or at least tried to). Who knows what he would have come up with.
Fascinating. But how did EW manage to fund such an enterprise from such an early age?
I think there are a few factors in how EW was funded.
Firstly, EW's first airships were simple affairs, powered by a motorcycle engine. They wouldn't have cost much to make.
The prize for the first airship flight in Wales was £50. In todays money that is around £5,500. Not an insignificant amount. The prize for the flight from London to Paris was £2,000.
There are also other possible sources of income. Some airships were used for advertising, as EW's reputation grew, companies would have been keen to sponsor him.
Despite possible sources of income, EW was never a wealthy man. Much of what he made from his flights went back into building and designing new airships. The growth in popularity of planes after WW1 took away much of his income and he was forced to tour the country., giving private flights to paying customers to keep his dreams alive.
Hope this answers your question.
Thanks, yes. One can speculate that, had he survived, EW might've been involved with the development of tethered blimps used for military purposes in WW2. Although, as these were without motive power, perhaps not.
As you say, its fun to speculate.
EW was certainly involved in WW1 so I think its likely he would have had some involvement in WW2 (or at least tried to). Who knows what he would have come up with.