The Wright Flyer, (also known as the Kitty Hawk, Flyer I or the 1903 Flyer), made the first sustained flight by a manned heavier-than-air powered and controlled aircraft-an airplane-on December 17, 1903. Invented and flown by brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright, it marked the beginning of the pioneer era of aviation. This first flight was roughly the distance of the wingspan of a modern day 747. We've come a loving way baby!
For consignment, a museum prototype roughly emulating the construction of the Wright Flyer of 1903. This piece does not fly and has no real engine, just a replica of what was in reality. It is correct in dimension and materials used for the wings and close to the original design. It is a fascinating look into the past and the early days of a heavier than air craft which started making the world a smaller place.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Exterior Constructed from steel rods and wood propellers, as well as yards of canvas wrapping, it employs the canard biplane configuration with a wingspan of 40-feet 4-inches, a camber of 1-20, a wing area of 510 square feet, and a length of 21-feet 1-inch. T he right wing was 4 inches longer because the engine was 30 to 40 pounds, (on the actual plane), heavier than Orville or Wilbur. Unoccupied, the machine weighed 605 pounds. As with the gliders, the pilot flew lying on his stomach on the lower wing with his head toward the front of the craft in an effort to reduce drag. The pilot was left of center while the engine was right of center. He steered by moving a hip cradle in the direction he wished to fly, (from whence the saying "flying by the seat of your pants" evolved!). The cradle pulled wires to warp the wings, and simultaneously turn the rudder for coordinated flight. The pilot operated the elevator lever with his left hand, while holding a strut with his right.
Engine & Cockpit The engine is a simple box with no insides and is constructed of wood for this prototype. Struts are steel rods and there are plenty of connecting wires to keep the wings stable. The drive from the propellers was via a chain and gear setup taken directly from the Wright brothers bicycle building experience. On this example, the propellers are not able to make a complete revolution as they hit wood struts that support the rear steering vertical flaps if you will. Landing gear is a simple framework that acted like a ski per se until it dug into the ground.
This example is in good condition with canvas in excellent condition, structurally sound and mostly correct as to the original prototype flown on Kill Devil Hill. It is a wonderful accurate display which can be studied, touched and laid on, (simulated piloting), to experience the early sensation of actual flight, albeit primitive. It is definitely an educational piece ready for installation into a facility or museum. It does not run as there is no engine, just a wood replica of its shape and size.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
