It was a gradual evolution, first with metal cowlings around engines, then later with metal (usually aluminium) frames, but still covered by stressed cloth. Aluminium 'skin' was first used widely in the early 1930's.
Airplanes haven't always beeing made out of metal, in fact the earliest airplanes were amde out of pine wood and canvas. Newer, private aircraft can be made out of steel and a nylon-canvas mixture. The reson airplans are mde from metal is because it is more resistant to fracture than wood. It is harder to break will in flight and has a longer life than wood. Metal is also easier to process into airplane components than wood. A new type of material made out of nylon fussed with carbon, making a carbon fiber body, is stonger and lighter than steel. This will soon allow airplanes to fly higher, faster, and farther than ever before.
Airplanes are made of a variety of materials. The earliest ones were made of pine wood and canvas. Then steel braces and nylon. Airplanes now can be made out of anything from wood and canvas, to magnesium alloys and aluminum. Most private planes are made out of canvas-nylons and steel frames. Commercial jets can be made out of aluminum and new models are starting to use light weight magnesium frames to cut down on weight and improve fuel efficiency. The most common material used now is aluminum and steel alloys.
Wood and canvas,rope
Whether you go with wood or canvas for the material will depend entirely on your personal preference. If you're going for a rough matte look, a canvas frame or stretched canvas is a good choice. If you're going for a matte, wood grain effect, wooden canvas is the way to go. Choose a canvas frame made of wood if you want your frame to have a matte finish.
Model airplanes can be made from a variety of different materials. The most commonly used materials include plastic, metal, wood, fibreglass and synthetic resin.
Wood and metal braces. Cloth or canvas for the tops.
Prairie Schooners.
Early aircraft were usually made of spruce wood frame with a painted canvas skin stretched over. This was not always the case however, plywood and sheet-metal skins were also used. Aluminum was rarely used as at the time it was very expensive.
Mainly wood with iron fittings and parts. The tent/top was made of canvas.
Wood & Metal ... with fabric stretched over the wings.
the first planes were made of wood and canvas.
Oil on canvas. He also made some wood sculptures.