Early aircraft were pioneering machines designed for human flight, emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Wright brothers achieved the first powered flight in 1903 with their aircraft, the Wright Flyer, which flew for 12 seconds. These early designs were often made of wood and fabric, relying on simple engines and control systems. As aviation technology progressed, various inventors and engineers contributed to aircraft development. Notable early models included the Blériot XI, which became the first aircraft to cross the English Channel in 1909, and the Curtiss JN-4, widely used during World War I. These innovations laid the groundwork for modern aviation.