Time Period: Pre-WW1
Country of Origin: United States
Type: Prototypes and Experimental, Biplanes
Manufacturer: Wright Cycle Company
Wright Flyer Aircraft Overview
Designed and built by Orville and Wilbur Wright, the Wright Flyer marked the culmination of years of experimentation, innovation, and determination (for instance, during the design and development of the Wright Glider).
On December 17, 1903, Orville Wright piloted the Wright Flyer for its first flight, with Wilbur running alongside to assist during takeoff. In a remarkable sequence of events, the Flyer lifted off the ground, traveled 36.5 meters (120 feet) in 12 seconds, and forever changed the course of transportation.
The Wright Flyer itself was a biplane constructed mainly of wood and fabric, with a wingspan of 12.3 meters (40 feet) and powered by a 12-horsepower engine. Its design incorporated key principles of aerodynamics, including wing warping for control and a forward elevator for pitch stability.
The significance of the Wright brothers’ achievement at Kitty Hawk cannot be overstated. It heralded the dawn of the aviation age, sparking rapid advancements in aircraft design, engineering, and technology. Their pioneering flight paved the way for the development of modern aviation and laid the foundation for the aerospace industry as we know it today.
The site of Kitty Hawk, now part of the Wright Brothers National Memorial, serves as a poignant reminder of this historic event. Visitors can explore the museum, exhibits, and replicas of the Wright Flyer, immersing themselves in the story of two brothers who dared to dream of flight and forever changed the world.
Wright Flyer Specifications
- Crew: 1
- Length: 21 ft 1 in (6.43 m)
- Wingspan: 40 ft 4 in (12.29 m)
- Height: 9 ft 0 in (2.74 m)
- Wing area: 510 sq ft (47 m2)
- Empty weight: 605 lb (274 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 745 lb (338 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Wright straight-4 water-cooled 201.1 cu in (3,295 cc) piston engine. 12 hp (8.9 kW)
- Propellers: 2-bladed Wright “Elliptical” props, 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) diameter.
Wright Flyer Performance
- Maximum speed: 30 mph (48 km/h, 26 kn)
- Service ceiling: 30 ft (9.1 m)
- Wing loading: 1.4 lb/sq ft (6.4 kg/m2)
- Power/mass: 0.02 hp/lb (15 W/kg)
