The podcast “110 Histórias | 110 Objetos” (“110 Stories, 110 Objects”) covers the 110 years of history of Instituto Superior Técnico.

The podcast “110 Histórias | 110 Objetos” (“110 Stories, 110 Objects”) covers the 110 years of history of Instituto Superior Técnico, through its past, present and future objects.

A collection of objects related to different fields, such as science, music, arts and sports, is the starting point for conversations with people who will tell us more about the history of these objects.

A new episode is released every week. The podcast “110 Histórias | 110 Objetos” (“110 Stories, 110 Objects”) is part of the Público newspaper podcasts.

Today’s episode (#50) – 10th June, 2022: “110 Histórias | 110 Objetos” (“110 Stories, 110 Objects”) – “Portugal, o Hidroplanador” (“Portugal, the Hydro Glider”).

Built by Artur Varela Cid, as a student at Técnico, the “Portugal” reached an altitude of 140 meters on its maiden flight in 1934. Near the Doca do Bom Sucesso, at Torre de Belém, in Lisboa, “Portugal” became the third hydro glider to fly around the world, at a time when the knowledge of aeronautics was developing at a great pace. It flew a second and last time in Póvoa de Santa Iria and from there it went into rest, but since then it is also part of engineering history and of Portuguese aeronautics. It made an invaluable contribution to the knowledge of the aerodynamic components of flight and also presented itself as a valuable teaching tool for aviation instructors. Since 2016, it is on display at the Museu do Ar, in Alverca, surrounded by powered aircrafts.

“Portugal” was Varela Cid's first major work, who would also become a professor at the Instituto Superior Técnico, until 1965. He dedicated his entire career to aeronautics and is presented by Luís Braga Campos, professor at Técnico, retired and emeritus, and who was also coordinator of the Aerospace Engineering course, as “a unique case of a pioneer on the side of Engineering”.

Podcast episode: bit.ly/396HQdt | 110.tecnico.ulisboa.pt
Previously played podcasts: spoti.fi/2RHvFeJ | Subscribe the podcast: apple.co/3hHdxvB

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