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It's worth adding that they invented the first successful control system for an aircraft. [0] Personally I think that was the single most important step, becaus
by hodgesrm 3y ago
It's worth adding that they invented the first successful control system for an aircraft. [0] Personally I think that was the single most important step, because it enabled their aircraft (including test gliders) to fly safely.
[0] https://www.wright-brothers.org/History_Wing/Wright_Story/Inventing_the_Airplane/Wagging_Its_Tail/Last_Piece_of_Puzzle.htm https://www.wright-brothers.org/History_Wing/Wright_Story/In...
- WalterBright 3y agoThey had 6 major advances: 1. 3 axis control (as you mentioned) 2. first propeller theory 3. first lightweight aircraft engine 4. wind tunnel tested airfoils 5. solving adverse yaw problem 6. targeted research & development program They needed all of them to fly. All modern aircraft can trace their designs back to the 1903 Wright Flyer, and none of the other contenders. It's a stunning achievement, and all at a cost of $1,500. (The Langley project cost $50,000 and solved none of the problems.) In my not-so-humble opinion, the 1903 Wright Flyer is the start of the modern technological age.
- hodgesrm 3y agoIt was an outstanding advance. Personally I rate them as the greatest engineers of all time, but I'm also very fond of aircraft. Would be interested to hear opinions on who else might be considered peers of the Wrights.