Education
Cornell University.
Cornell University.
Manly made major contributions to the development of the aircraft"s revolutionary 52 hp gasoline-fueled radial engine, called the Manly-Balzer engine. Manly attempted to pilot the Aerodome in its only two tests, October and December 1903. The machine failed to fly both times, plunging into the Potomac River after its launch from a houseboat.
Manly was rescued unhurt, although he was briefly trapped underwater after the second test.
During World War I Manly was an advisor to the British War Office. He also earned about 40 patents in variable-speed hydraulic drives.
In 1919 he was president of the Society of Automotive Engineers (now Society of Automotive Engineers International). Following his tenure he did additional engineering research on engines.
The Manly Memorial Medal is an annual award given by the Society of Automotive Engineers for the best paper on aeronautical power plants.