The Wrights' wind tunnel was created to test the work of their predecessor, Otto Lilienthal. His scientific approach to flight was the basis for the Wrights' early designs. By the fall of 1901, they had developed doubts about his pioneering data.

With the tunnel, they took a bold step forward.

Using high school math, hacksaw blades and bicycle spokes, the Wrights reduced the elements of flight to two fragile balances, the essential instruments used in their wind tunnel experiments. How did they work?

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The wind tunnel experiments were tricky to set up, but easy to run. Join Bill Hadden of the Wright Experience as he demonstrates the tunnel and balances.

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