First Stages
While engaged in the Wright Cycle Company, the brothers found newspaper articles and docum about the attempts and research of the aeronautical scientists Samuel Langley, Otto Lilienthal, and Octave Chanute. Wilbur also wrote letters to the Smithsonian Institute for more research and information about past flight experiments. The brothers also based much of their data off of how birds fly.
For the next few years, the brothers designed a many gliders. They had tested these gliders by first flying them as if they were a kite, and then a few manned tests. During these tests, the brothers experienced many problems, forcing them to get behind in their schedule. At one point, the brothers even thought about quitting because their wing architecture was built upon false data.
For the next few years, the brothers designed a many gliders. They had tested these gliders by first flying them as if they were a kite, and then a few manned tests. During these tests, the brothers experienced many problems, forcing them to get behind in their schedule. At one point, the brothers even thought about quitting because their wing architecture was built upon false data.
Refining Their Glider
The brothers now had a early prototype of their glider, but it still had to be refined. The glider went under a series of changes that led for longer last flights, better air control, increased camber and wingspan, as well as a new wind tunnel. The glider still had a few problems, where if you turned left, it slipped to the right, and vice versa. However, the Wrights were able to counteract all these problems, and after a few hundred flights in 1902, they were pretty much convinced they had the first working airplane.
Since the Wrights now had a working airplane, they needed something to power it. Gasoline technology was rising, and it was now able to support what an airplane would need at that time. The brothers failed at finding a lightweight commercial gasoline engine, so they set out to build their own engine (shown to the right). While building their own engine, they also couldn't find a suitable propeller, so they were also forced to build an efficient airplane propeller, which was actually the first one ever built.
Since the Wrights now had a working airplane, they needed something to power it. Gasoline technology was rising, and it was now able to support what an airplane would need at that time. The brothers failed at finding a lightweight commercial gasoline engine, so they set out to build their own engine (shown to the right). While building their own engine, they also couldn't find a suitable propeller, so they were also forced to build an efficient airplane propeller, which was actually the first one ever built.
The First Flight Ever
The first Wright Flyer weighed approximately 605lb and was 40ft in length. On December 14, 1903, Wilbur won the coin toss to see who would get to make the first flight in history. But unfortunately, to his disgrace, he accidentally oversteered the elevator of the plane from the launching position. The Flyer dove into the sand, and had to be repaired before the first flight actually took place.
After three days of repairing, the brothers got ready for the second attempt. The wind speed at the time, 27 mph, was more than they expected because the Flyer would only fly at 30mph - 35mph. They continued anyhow, and this time it was Orville's turn. He positioned himself on the Flyer as Wilbur did it three days in the past. There were a few controls, and they were fairly simple, but Orville knew it was going to take all his effort to handle the aircraft.
At 10:35 on December 17, 1903, Orville released the restraining wire, what kept the Flyer from launching into the air. Orville left the ground, and he was finally flying in the air! His first flight was approximately 12 seconds long, and he flew 120ft, flying at a speed of 10mph. At the time, that was very impressive for a first flight. Three more flights took place that day:
1st flight - Orville - 120 feet in 12 seconds
2nd flight - Wilbur - 175 feet in 12 seconds
3rd flight - Orville - 200 feet in 15 seconds
4th flight - Wilbur - 852 feet in 59 seconds
After three days of repairing, the brothers got ready for the second attempt. The wind speed at the time, 27 mph, was more than they expected because the Flyer would only fly at 30mph - 35mph. They continued anyhow, and this time it was Orville's turn. He positioned himself on the Flyer as Wilbur did it three days in the past. There were a few controls, and they were fairly simple, but Orville knew it was going to take all his effort to handle the aircraft.
At 10:35 on December 17, 1903, Orville released the restraining wire, what kept the Flyer from launching into the air. Orville left the ground, and he was finally flying in the air! His first flight was approximately 12 seconds long, and he flew 120ft, flying at a speed of 10mph. At the time, that was very impressive for a first flight. Three more flights took place that day:
1st flight - Orville - 120 feet in 12 seconds
2nd flight - Wilbur - 175 feet in 12 seconds
3rd flight - Orville - 200 feet in 15 seconds
4th flight - Wilbur - 852 feet in 59 seconds