Arguably the most significant development of the First World War was the advent of Air Power. In 1909, Europe was amazed when Louis Blériot just managed to fly across the English Channel. By 1918, aircraft could carry several thousand-pound bombs over 1000 miles to attack cities. The Aeroplane completely changed the whole face of conflict on land and at sea. By the end of the war, all the fundamental roles of Air Power had been tried: Reconnaissance, Communications, Air Superiority, Transport, Strike and Heavy Bomber.