On November 12, 1894, Lawrence
Hargrave was lifted from the ground by a train of four of his "cellular
kites". This was simply one stage in his quest for a stable lifting
surface which could then be powered and used as a means of transportation.
Hargrave was doing his utmost to invent the aeroplane!
Hargrave developed several styles of kites and gliders, refined and developed the concept of curved surface wings, and also invented the rotary engine. He never patented any of his inventions, preferring them to be available for the advancement of mankind. He made scathing attacks on people who experimented in secrecy with the intention of profiting from their inventions, accusing them of trying to exploit humanity.
On November 7, 1903, Samuel Franklin Cody actually crossed the English Channel on a vessel towed by kites.