On 17 December 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved a historical feat: the first successful flight of a powered heavier-than-air flying machine. Hanging on display is a scaled down reproduction of that famous aircraft—The Wright Flyer. The aircraft and its subsequent flight were the culmination of years of work and research for the Wright Brothers. This flight opened the door to a new era, one that ushered in commercial, scientific, and military aviation.
Before the 1903 aircraft, the Wright Brothers had built several gliders to test the principles of flight. To achieve controlled and powered flight, the Wright Brothers knew they would need an engine in their glider to produce the continued lift. In response, the brothers turned to Charles Taylor, one of their friends and coworkers. Taylor designed the engine for the 1903 glider in just six weeks. Taylor’s legacy as an engine mechanic lives on at Hill Air Force Base, as thousands of men and women maintainers work continually behind the scenes to ensure military aircraft operate safe and effectively.
This aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program.
Serial Number: None
Manufacturer: Orville & Wilbur Wright
Primary Function: Passenger Transport
Crew: One
Engines: Inline 4 Cylinder, water-cooled; 12 hp
Wingspan: 40 ft
Length: 21 ft 1 in
Height: 9 ft 4 in
Weight: 605 lbs
Speed: 30 mph
Range: 852 ft
Service Ceiling: 30 ft
Armament: None
Payload: None
