Gliders like this were first used to achieve flight over 100 years ago.



This recreation glider is a biplane style glider.



Here is a more modern lightweight glider made of modern material.



Here is an enclosed glider.



This is what a modern professional glider looks like. Wingspan can reach 25 feet.



Here is WhiteNight carrying SpaceShipOne to high altitude for launch into orbit.



Here is SpaceShipOne gliding back down to earth to land on a runway.



Here is Space Shuttle.



Here is the airplane Global flyer, this was the first jet engine powered aircraft to circumnavigate the globe without refueling.