The fathers of flight: A short history of the Wright Brothers
On Dec. 17, 1903, the fathers of modern aviation, Orville and Wilbur Wright, piloted the first powered airplane in history. Orville was the first to fly, which lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet. Wilbur made the record that day with a flight lasting 59 seconds over a distance of 852 feet.
Between 1899 and 1905, the Wright brothers conducted aeronautical research and experiments, which led to the invention of the first successful powered airplane in 1903, and a more refined machine in 1905.
Image source: airandspace.si.edu
In the 1890’s, aviation was one field of study offering vast possibilities for investigation. The Wright brothers took it upon themselves to take what their predecessors learned about flying to the next level. They studied reference materials from the Smithsonian and found out that there is little progress made by humanity about flying.
There were many people that were already experimenting with flight. Some focused on full-sized aircraft, with the engines as their main problem. Others used models as research tools. And there were some that believed that gliders were the best approach. The Wright brothers followed the course of the latter.
Much of the Wright brothers’ accomplishments were original, but they will never be successful without the help of some key findings done by their predecessors. Otto Lilienthal's and Sir George Cayley’s discoveries were just some of that has helped them in their experiments.
Image source: eyewitnesstohistory.com
The Wright brothers focused on control and stability rather than just being able to fly. Their experience with bicycles helped them a lot to be able to produce wings that are controllable without using too many machines that would cause the plane to be heavy. The outcome of their research and their success has been the basis of airplanes created since.
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