I've been pondering the development of Aviation and it's related technologies and I think that various Countries around the world have each made their own unique contribution to the area. I offer a couple as the start of a list, please feel free to comment, argue, add your own thoughts.
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I found this today. Lots of info on the history of the Douglas El Segundo manufactoring plant and the Los Angeles Air Force Station.
I used to work near here. I always wondered about this building.
http://www.losangeles.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-130424-048.pdf