The 20th century was a time of technological progress, with groundbreaking

inventions that transformed the world as we know it. Three inventions that stand out
as among the greatest of the century are the helicopter, space shuttle, and
submarine. These three inventions have revolutionized transportation and
exploration, expanding our knowledge of the world and the universe beyond.

The helicopter is one of the most useful inventions of the 20th century. The first
successful helicopter flight was achieved by Igor Sikorsky on September 14, 1939, in
Stratford, Connecticut, United States. Sikorsky's helicopter, called the VS-300, was a
single-engine, single-rotor aircraft that had taken several years to develop.

During the first successful flight, the helicopter hovered for a few seconds before
setting back down. This may seem like a short and modest achievement compared to
modern helicopters, but at that time, it was a significant breakthrough in aviation
history.

The helicopter's ability to take off and land vertically, hover in place, and fly in any
direction has made it an essential tool for a wide range of applications, including
military operations, emergency medical services, search and rescue, and aerial
photography. The helicopter has also opened up new possibilities for transportation,
allowing people to travel to remote and inaccessible places that were previously off-
limits.

Another groundbreaking invention of the 20th century is the space shuttle.

The Space Shuttle Columbia was a reusable spacecraft that was designed to be
launched into orbit like a rocket. The STS-1 mission lasted for two days and it was
successful.

The space shuttle revolutionized space travel, making it possible for humans to visit
and explore space in a way that was never before possible. The space shuttle's ability
to launch like a rocket and land like an airplane, and its capacity to carry both crew
and cargo, made it an essential tool for the development of the International Space
Station and other space exploration programs. The space shuttle also paved the way
for commercial space travel and space tourism, offering the possibility of a future
where space travel is not just the domain of astronauts and scientists, but accessible
to everyone.

Finally, the submarine is another invention of the 20th century that has had a
significant impact on the world. The submarine was first invented in the late 19th
century, but it was developed during World War II. The submarine's ability to travel
underwater, undetected, made it an effective weapon against enemy ships and
submarines. After the war, submarines continued to be used for military purposes,
but they also began to be used for scientific exploration and underwater research.
Today, submarines are used for a variety of purposes, including oceanography,
underwater mining, and oil and gas exploration.

In conclusion, the 20th century was a time of incredible innovation and invention,
with the helicopter, space shuttle, and submarine among the greatest of these. These
three inventions have revolutionized transportation and exploration, expanding our
understanding of the world and the universe beyond. They have had an impact on
both military and non-military uses, and they are still essential tools in many different
industries today.