The document traces the evolution of aircraft from early balloons and gliders to modern jet planes. It describes key developments such as the hot air balloon invented by the Montgolfier Brothers, the first powered flights by the Wright Brothers in 1903, and the introduction of jet engines in military planes during World War 2. The postwar era saw advances in commercial aviation including the first commercial jet airliner. Modern aircraft now use advanced digital technologies and some military planes can evade radar detection.