Episode 50: Portugal, the Hydro Glider

Built by Artur Varela Cid, as a student at Técnico, the “Portugal” reached an altitude of 140 meters on its maiden flight in 1934. Near the Doca do Bom Sucesso, at Torre de Belém, in Lisboa, “Portugal” became the third hydro glider to fly around the world, at a time when the knowledge of aeronautics was developing at a great pace. It flew a second and last time in Póvoa de Santa Iria and from there it went into rest, but since then it is also part of engineering history and of Portuguese aeronautics. It made an invaluable contribution to the knowledge of the aerodynamic components of flight and also presented itself as a valuable teaching tool for aviation instructors. Since 2016, it is on display at the Museu do Ar, in Alverca, surrounded by powered aircrafts.

  • Acknowledgements:
    Luís Braga Campos
    Gonçalo Carneiro
    Mota Raposo
    Rita Amaral
    Museu do Ar

Episode only available in Portuguese in: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Anchor.fm

Further reading and additional audio in the Portuguese version of this webpage.

Categories