1936 Bob Morse Experimental Hang Glider – Rare Pre-WWII Ultralight Aviation Press Photo, Redondo Beach CA

This original 1936 press photograph documents an exceptionally rare moment in personal flight history: Bob Morse, a 28-year-old California glider pilot and aviation experimenter, standing strapped into his self-designed hang glider on the sands of Redondo Beach, California.

The rudimentary but visionary aircraft—weighing just 90 pounds with a 107 sq. ft. wing area—was the product of four years of independent experimentation. Built decades before the modern hang gliding movement of the 1960s and ’70s, Morse’s craft incorporated a strapped-in harness, integrated control bar, wooden frame with exposed bracing, and fabric-covered tapered wings.

The reverse includes a pasted newspaper clipping and full typed caption, headlined:

"TINY HANG GLIDER MAKES ITS DEBUT"

Excerpt from original press text (June 28, 1936):

"After four years of experimenting, Bob Morse, 28-year-old glider pilot, had completed his hang glider weighing 90 pounds with a 107-square-foot surface at Redondo Beach, Cal. The glider has a running speed of 15 miles per hour… with a speed of 22 miles per hour while soaring through space. It has a landing speed of 12 miles per hour."

Historical Significance:

• Pre-WWII ultralight innovation: This photograph captures a rare example of early American foot-launched aircraft—three decades before the Rogallo wing revolutionized hang gliding.

• Documented experimental aviation: Most 1930s personal flight attempts were local curiosities; few were professionally photographed and published.

• Pioneering harness-control system: Morse’s strapped-in position and integrated control bar foreshadow the posture and mechanics of later modern hang gliders.

• Southern California aviation culture: Redondo Beach was an active hub for air-minded experimenters during the interwar years.

Key Features:

• Date: June 28, 1936

• Location: Redondo Beach, California

• Subject: Bob Morse, experimental hang glider

• Aircraft Specs: 90 lb empty weight, 107 sq. ft. wing area, 15 mph run speed, 22 mph flight speed, 12 mph landing speed

• Photo Credit: Ame Photo

• Reverse Details: Original press bureau stamp, pasted newspaper clipping with headline & text

• Medium: Original black-and-white press photograph with attached clipping

• Condition: Excellent tonal range and clarity; minimal edge wear; clipping residue on reverse