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THE FIRST POWERED FLIGHT
On December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers made four flights with their
first powered flyer at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. On their best
flights, Orville flew about 120 feet and stayed aloft about 12 seconds.
Wilbur managed to fly 852 feet and stayed in the air for 59 seconds.
The Wright brothers had to teach themselves to fly in brief seconds, in
an airplane with controls and control surfaces that were barely
adequate. |
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The dream comes true. Powered, controlled flight became reality on
December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
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The Kitty Hawk flyer had a 40 foot 4 inch wingspan and was only a little
over 21 feet long. It weighed only 605 lbs. The Kitty Hawk flyer had
twin tail rudders, and a 12 to 16 horsepower engine.
Although the first to actually fly, the Kitty Hawk flyer only made four
flights that day. It was damaged by wind after the fourth flight, and
the Wrights packed it up and shipped it back to Dayton, Ohio. Its flying
days were over.
| The Toothpick Airforce version of the Wright Kitty Hawk flyer is the
most difficult of the Wright replicas to build and fly. It has 21 paper
parts, and at least five toothpick parts (you may have to add weight).
This glider may take up to two hours to build, and requires careful
attention to detail in construction and tuning. We recommend building
at least one of the Wright gliders before attempting the Kitty Hawk
flyer. "Bending Toothpicks" instructions. |
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Grasp your toothpick flyer by one of the landing skids, and thrust it
forward gently. Add "up" elevator by bending the leading edge of the
elevator up and back. |
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