Which mechanism initially hampered early attempts at powered heavier-than-air flight by inventors such as Otto Lilienthal?

💡 Explanation

Early powered flight was hampered by an insufficient understanding of airfoil lift because early calculations overestimated the required wing area, leading to designs that were too heavy and inefficient. Therefore insufficient airfoil lift knowledge stalled development, rather than lightweight engine problems, control surfaces or wing warp issues that were addressed later.

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