Which inventors are known for their contributions to the development of the airplane?

The Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, are credited with the first successful powered flight of an airplane on December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Their contribution to aviation is monumental, as they are recognized for developing the first heavier-than-air, powered aircraft, which laid the groundwork for modern aviation. The flight lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet, a significant achievement that demonstrated the feasibility of flight.

The other inventors listed in the other options made important strides in aviation or related fields, but they did not achieve the first powered flight. Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart are known for their significant accomplishments in long-distance flying and promoting aviation, while Howard Hughes and Igor Sikorsky also contributed to aerospace advancements, particularly in aircraft design and helicopter technology. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were innovators in electrical engineering and automotive manufacturing, respectively, rather than direct contributors to the development of the airplane. Thus, the Wright Brothers stand out for their foundational role in the history of flight.