Aurel Flaycu was born in the storied region of Transylvania on November 19, 1882. From a young age, he faced the oppressive Hungarian rule over his homeland. Through sheer determination and hard work, he excelled academically and earned a place at the Technical University of Budapest. His quest for knowledge didn't stop there; he later pursued further studies at the Technical University of Munich in Germany.
While in Germany, Aurel was deeply influenced by the burgeoning nationalist sentiments that swept through Europe during that era. He came to firmly believe that Romanians deserved their own sovereign nation where they could thrive independently. In 1906, a pivotal moment came when he read about the successful flight endeavors of the Romanian aviator, Henri Coanda. This news inspired the then 18-year-old Aurel, sparking a desire to return to Romania and contribute to its technological advancement.
After earning his engineering qualification in 1907, Aurel declined a lucrative offer from the Opel Locomotive Company. Instead, he opted to move back to Romania and sought out Henri Coanda to offer his skills and enthusiasm. Initially, Coanda was skeptical of this young, freshly graduated enthusiast. However, after several discussions, Coanda was impressed by Aurel's innovative ideas and his passionate vision for the future of aviation in Romania. Eventually, the two struck a harmonious working relationship, with Aurel formally becoming Coanda's assistant. Although his title was that of an assistant, in many instances, Coanda found himself taking advice from Aurel on numerous technical matters.
Thanks to substantial funding from a benefactor named Edel, the duo was able to bring to life their avant-garde concepts. They developed a unique aircraft that, while maintaining some conventional features like a double-layered wing, a standard fuselage, and a typical tail, introduced groundbreaking modifications at the nose. The aircraft featured an engine placed between two afterburners on either side of the nose, giving it a distinctive, almost cheek-bulging appearance.
During one of their discussions, Coanda mentioned, "I heard the Seguin brothers in France have invented a new type of engine. It sounds promising."
Aurel, always thinking ahead, suggested, "Perhaps we should acquire one to experiment with. We can't always rely on the folks at the power laboratory."
Their reliance on the Moloney Power Laboratory had waned since the lab had shifted its focus to developing diesel engines under Edel's directive, leaving little room for advancements in aircraft engines. After a couple of unfruitful visits, Coanda and Aurel decided to look elsewhere for their engine needs.
"This aircraft will surely astonish everyone, won't it, Fraicu?" Coanda remarked one day, his eyes gleaming with a mix of pride and anticipation as he looked over their creation.
"I believe a test would be more telling. Our last big project didn't quite hit the mark we aimed for," Aurel responded cautiously, his mind replaying the disappointing flight test of their previous aircraft, the 'Hercules One'. Despite its impressive 21.5-meter wingspan and 60-horsepower engine, 'Hercules One' had failed to perform satisfactorily during a highly publicized test flight, only managing to take off after significantly reducing its load.
"I've already announced tomorrow's test flight," Coanda confessed, somewhat apprehensive about his assistant's reaction.
Aurel, checking over the new aircraft, looked back at Coanda and warned, "If this test fails, we'll be the laughingstock of the press."
"Then we must double-check everything tonight and ensure no errors occur tomorrow," Coanda replied, determined to avoid a repeat of their last embarrassment.
The following day, after a late start due to their exhaustive preparations the night before, Coanda coordinated the team. "Fraicu, take some men to roll out the plane and gather the tools. I'll handle clearing the test runway with the others."
As Aurel and his team readied the aircraft in the hangar, Coanda meticulously inspected the runway. The weather was favorable, a fact that didn't go unnoticed by Coric, a reporter from the Metropolis Daily, who greeted Coanda with a cheerful, "Beautiful day for a flight, isn't it, Coanda?"
"Indeed, thank you for coming, Coric," Coanda replied, shaking hands with the reporter who wished him success.
As the crowd of spectators grew, Coanda decided it was time. "Let's begin. I will pilot the aircraft myself this time."
"That's too risky. Let our test pilot Cordo handle it," Aurel suggested, concerned about the inherent dangers of early aviation.
"I appreciate your concern, but I must do this. I know this aircraft better than anyone, and this flight is crucial," Coanda insisted, his tone a mix of resolve and reassurance.
Unable to sway his friend, Aurel clapped Coanda on the shoulder, half-jokingly cautioning, "You better come back. I'm not sure the crown prince will keep funding us otherwise."
With a nod and a promise to return "full of honor," Coanda climbed into the cockpit. The ground crew cranked the propellers, the engine roared to life, and with a signal from Coanda, they removed the chocks. The aircraft trundled down the runway and, after covering 180 meters, gracefully lifted into the sky.
The crowd, while not as enthusiastic as they might have been for a first flight, still cheered and waved as Coanda piloted the aircraft. Once airborne, according to plan, Coanda activated the jet to accelerate. The sudden burst of speed took the spectators by surprise, some even mistaking the smoke for a sign of fire until reassured by the staff.
"It's incredibly fast," noted Coric, his voice tinged with awe.
Indeed, the aircraft was performing splendidly until a critical flaw was revealed. The intense heat from the afterburners began to scorch the wooden fuselage, a danger that had been overlooked in the design phase. By the time Coanda noticed the smoke and flames, it was nearly too late. He quickly reduced altitude and speed, aiming for a nearby river to make an emergency landing. Unfortunately, trees lining the bank obstructed his path, and the aircraft crashed, breaking apart on impact.
The crowd rushed to the crash site where they found Coanda unconscious but alive. He was swiftly transported to the hospital.
Back at Edel's office, the news of the crash caused a stir. Edel, who had been preoccupied with corporate matters, read the detailed report of the incident with a mix of shock and admiration for the daring innovation shown by Coanda and Aurel. Despite the setback, he recognized the potential in their pioneering work with jet propulsion. "I must ensure they continue to receive support," he resolved, seeing the value in pushing the boundaries of aviation technology.
"How's it going, doctor?" Aurel Flaycu stepped forward, his voice tinged with concern as he inquired about Henry Coanda's condition.
"He suffered broken ribs and a fractured arm from the impact. Fortunately, there's no internal bleeding and his life isn't in danger, but he will need to be hospitalized for recovery," the doctor explained, offering a brief but detailed update.
Aurel Flaycu felt a wave of relief wash over him upon hearing that Henry's injuries, though serious, were not life-threatening. He turned to address the gathered staff with a reassured tone. "Henry Coanda is stable, you all can head back and rest. We will continue our work tomorrow; we can't let our operations come to a halt."
After the staff dispersed, Aurel approached Henry Coanda's bedside. Seeing that Henry had awakened, he offered some comforting words, "Take your time to rest; we're all waiting for your return."
"Thank you, my friend. I'll be back as soon as I can," Henry responded weakly, his voice hoarse from exhaustion.
Observing Henry's fatigued expression, Aurel knew he had to return to the flight base to keep their projects on track.
That night, Edel received the news that Henry Coanda had narrowly escaped death but would need several months in the hospital to recuperate. Relieved to hear that Henry was out of immediate danger, Edel's thoughts soon turned to the burgeoning industry that he had been quietly supporting.
The following day, the news of Henry Coanda's accident and his subsequent hospitalization made headlines in major newspapers, stirring a flurry of rumors and gossip about the famed Romanian aviator's failed test flight.
Back at the flight base, Aurel Flaycu resumed his duties with renewed determination. He needed to reassure the flight team that despite their manager's injury, their work must go on.
In the ensuing days, Aurel worked diligently to coordinate the team's efforts, ensuring that everyone was aware that the Henry Coanda flight team was still operational and functioning smoothly.
"Snowmi, bring the large wrench over, and don't make the same mistake again," Aurel called out to a young worker. Snowmi quickly retrieved the large wrench from the toolbox and handed it to Aurel, who, with greasy hands, began to tinker with an engine laid out on the workbench.
This particular engine, a new invention by the French Seguin brothers and referred to as the 'land god', had been discussed extensively by Henry and Aurel before the accident. Believing in the potential of this engine, Aurel had managed to acquire two units, thanks to their ample funding.
With one of the engines now disassembled on the workbench, Aurel and his team aimed to understand the inner workings of this advanced aero engine. After reassembling it, Aurel conducted a ground test, which yielded satisfactory results.
The next step was to install this engine into an aircraft. The entire team was mobilized for testing, a task made possible by their sufficient financial resources—a fact well understood by Edel, who knew from historical precedents that adequate funding was crucial for successful experimentation.
"Cordo, are you ready?" Aurel asked Miller Cordo, the chief test pilot, as the final checks were completed.
"Absolutely, I've been eager to try this out," Miller replied with a grin, his enthusiasm for flying undiminished by the risks.
Miller climbed into the cockpit, and after the engine roared to life, the staff cleared the runway. The aircraft, powered by the new engine, needed only a short taxi before lifting gracefully into the sky.
"It's a truly remarkable engine," Aurel remarked, impressed by the performance as he watched the aircraft ascend.
The test flight was brief, focusing mainly on the capabilities of the new engine. Once back on the ground, Aurel eagerly debriefed Miller.
"How did it feel?" he asked.
"The flight was smoother than before, thanks to the new engine. However, the controls felt a bit heavier," Miller reported honestly.
Taking in Miller's feedback, Aurel pondered their next steps. There was still much to be done, but the promise shown by the new engine was undeniable. Upon further examination, Aurel appreciated the engine's innovative design: its rotating cylinder setup not only effectively cooled the cylinders during flight and idle but also reduced overall weight and improved smoothness by mimicking the action of a flywheel.
As Aurel delved deeper into the technical aspects of the engine, he received unexpected news: Crown Prince Edel had summoned him for a meeting the following morning. Reflecting on his conversations with Henry, Aurel recalled that the prince was not only their main financier but also had a keen interest in aviation.
Henry's recent accident had led Aurel to anticipate this summons, yet it had taken a month for it to come to pass, which had initially left him somewhat puzzled.
The next morning, Aurel arrived early at the palace, escorted by guards to a waiting room where he soon faced Crown Prince Edel, who was engrossed in paperwork.
"His Royal Highness, Mr. Aurel Flaycu is here," announced a guard, prompting Edel to look up.
After a respectful bow, Aurel greeted him, "Your Highness, it is an honor."
"You are Aurel Flaycu," Edel stated more than asked.
"Yes, Your Highness," Aurel confirmed.
"I've heard of your commendable management after Henry's unfortunate accident. You hail from Transylvania—what brought you to Romania?" Edel inquired, his tone mixing curiosity with an assessment.
Aurel explained his journey, from his upbringing and the influences in Germany to his move to Romania, inspired by news of Henry Coanda's successful flights. He had come to work as Henry's assistant, drawn by the pioneer's reputation and achievements.
Edel, having previously conducted a thorough background check on Aurel, was satisfied with his capabilities and integrity. This meeting was both a formal acknowledgment of Aurel's role and a discussion about future prospects.
"I intend for you to develop reliable military aircraft," Edel declared after some preliminary talk, laying out his vision.
"Your Highness, we may need some time to prepare. May I know the specific requirements?" Aurel asked, aware that declining was not an option but still hoping for feasible demands.
"The aircraft must be dependable, easy to maintain, and simple to operate. Ideally, they should be capable of flying over 50 kilometers," Edel specified.
Hearing the prince's specifications, Aurel felt a twinge of concern about the ambitious scope but before he could suggest any adjustments, Edel added firmly, "Design them according to these criteria. I will not lower my expectations."
"Understood, Your Highness. We will meet your requirements," Aurel agreed, knowing the importance of this commission.
Edel continued, revealing more of his plans, "I propose that the army acquire eight aircraft to establish an aviation unit. I am prepared to fund half of the cost upfront as a deposit."
"Thank you for your generosity, Your Highness," Aurel expressed his gratitude, recognizing the significant support this financial commitment represented.
With a nod, Edel dismissed Aurel, who left the room filled with a sense of purpose and responsibility, determined to fulfill the high expectations set by the crown prince. As Aurel exited, Edel returned to his work, his mind already on the next matters of state.