The Wrights' curiosity led them to study the work of many brilliant pioneers. The 1899 kite both borrows and departs from their aeronautical ancestors.

The kite was made for a reason: to test an idea Wilbur had about control, based on a twisted inner tube box.

See a full demonstration of the kite, and the revolutionary principles established at the outset of the Wrights' work.

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The kite became the basis for all the Wrights' designs, and was truly their first aircraft.

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