Wright Flyer
Specs, top speed, range and facts
The Wright Flyer is an experimental powered aircraft built by Wright brothers in the USA. It first flew in 1903, but it never entered regular service. Prove that a powered, heavier-than-air machine could fly under the pilot's control.
Photo: Wright Flyer on Wikipedia (free licence)
- Top speed48 km/h (30 mph)
- Range0 km (0 miles)
- First flight1903
- Wingspan12.3 m (40 ft)
Wright Flyer specs
| Top speed | 48 km/h (30 mph) |
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| Range | 0 km (0 miles) |
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| Length | 6.4 m (21 ft) |
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| Wingspan | 12.3 m (40 ft) |
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| Height | 2.7 m (9 ft) |
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| Max takeoff weight | 0.34 t (750 lb) |
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| Crew and capacity | 1 pilot, lying down |
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| Engines | 1 × 12 hp piston, 2 pusher props |
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| First flight | 1903 |
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| Entered service | Never entered regular service |
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| Built by | Wright brothers (USA) |
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Wright Flyer facts
- Its first flight lasted 12 seconds and covered 37 meters.
- The pilot lay flat on the lower wing and steered by shifting his hips.
Quick quiz
When did the Wright Flyer first fly?
In 1903.
Who built the Wright Flyer?
Wright brothers, in the USA.
How fast can the Wright Flyer fly?
Its top speed is 48 km/h (30 mph).
How far can the Wright Flyer fly?
About 0 km (0 miles).
Photos, a true-scale silhouette, quizzes, flashcards, the Size Lab and the Sky Run game.
Wright Flyer vs similar aircraft
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