Powered Gliders

Balloonists had been making headlines for more than a century by the time engines are first mounted on airplanes. Gasoline engines are a natural fit for early autos, but make just as much sense for flying machines.

A pioneering German advances the understanding of wings and lift. His ideas are followed up by an unlikely pair of tinkerers, who make bicycles in their little shop in the middle of industrial Ohio. Wilbur and Orville Wright.

Like many others at the time in Europe, the Wright Brothers have become interested in the possibilities of powered flight. Once bitten by the bug, they pursue their goal with a relentless reliance on scientific testing.
Wright Brothers, 1900

  Starting with the Basics
The Wright Brothers bring a highly scientific approach to their efforts. They start with a stationary glider (top left), which they fly like a kite. They return in following summers to make well over 1,000 glider flights, without seats, or even safety harnesses. Then comes the real trick, which is controlling turns. Their design achieves this by actually twisting the wingtips.

Kitty Hawk, 1903

  Still Lying on the Wing
They test for three summers before making a first attempt at powered flight, using an aluminum engine of their own design. After an initial failure, they try again, and finally coax the aircraft into the air, briefly. It's mid-December, with freezing, gusty winds. The photo at top captures the moment of first liftoff. They have difficulty keeping the craft level, but manage to complete three more short but successful launches that day, reaching a top speed of about 10 mph.


Wright Brothers demo flights

  What's That, up in the Sky?
The Wright Brothers are not wealthy, and lack any sponsorship by government, or outside investors. They spend the next two years modifying their initial design, adding a more powerful engine, and learning to control the aircraft in turns. When they finally get the US Army interested in a flight demonstration, it ends with a crash in which Orville is badly injured.  Despite this, the following year Wilbur performs a flawless demonstration for the Army near the Statue of Liberty, with a canoe lashed underneath for safety.