Đề thi thử vào lớp 10 THPT Chuyên ĐHSP Hà Nội 2025 - môn Anh (lần 2)
The Belgian de Groof worked for years on an apparatus intended to emulate the flight of birds. For this purpose, he constructed a device with bat-like wings. The framework was made of wood and rattan; the huge wings were covered with strong, waterproof silk, as was the long tail. The machine was controlled by levers. De Groof's first trial, which consisted of jumping from a great height to the Grand Place in Brussels, ended in failure, and he was lucky to escape unhurt. His second attempt was successful, but his third, on 9 July 1894, was not. Having planned to descend into the River Thames, de Groof was taken up by balloon and then released from a height of 1,000 feet. For some unknown reason the wing frame collapsed and he fell to his death. There was almost a second accident when the balloonist, having lost control of the balloon, landed in front of an approaching train, which just managed to stop in time.
Theo TTHN
