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The Wright brothers, Orville Wright (August 19, 1871 – January 30, 1948) and Wilbur Wright (April 16, 1867 – May 30, 1912), were American aviation pioneers generally credited with inventing, building, and flying the world's first successful airplane.
- Early Life
- First Flight
- Fame
- Death and Legacy
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Wilbur Wright was born on April 16, 1867, near Millville, Indiana. He was the middle child in a family of five children. His father, Milton Wright, was a bishop in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. His mother was Susan Catherine Koerner. The family later moved to Dayton, Ohio. As a child, Wilbur’s playmate was his younger brother, Orvill...
Always working on different mechanical projects and keeping up with scientific research, the Wright brothers closely followed the research of German aviator Otto Lilienthal. When Lilienthal died in a glider crash, the brothers decided to start their own experiments with flight. Determined to develop their own successful design, Wilbur and Orville h...
In France, Wilbur found a much more receptive audience. He made many public flights and gave rides to officials, journalists and statesmen. In 1909 Orville joined his brother in Europe, as did their younger sister Katharine. The Wrights became huge celebrities there, hosted by royals and heads of state, and constantly featured in the press. The Wri...
Wilbur fell ill on a trip to Boston in April 1912. He was diagnosed with typhoid fever and died on May 30 at his family home in Dayton, Ohio. Milton Wright wrote in his diary, “A short life, full of consequences. An unfailing intellect, imperturbable temper, great self-reliance and as great modesty, seeing the right clearly, pursuing it steadily, h...
Learn about the lives and achievements of Wilbur and Orville Wright, the American inventors who made the first powered, sustained and controlled flight in 1903. Find out how they developed their wing warping concept, faced skepticism and became famous and wealthy in Europe.
May 28, 2024 · Wright brothers, American brothers, inventors, and aviation pioneers who achieved the first powered, sustained, and controlled airplane flight (1903). Orville made the first successful flight, covering 120 feet (36 meters) through the air in 12 seconds.
The Wright brothers’ invention of the airplane, starting with the 1903 Wright Flyer, truly changed the world. Imagining what this new world would be like began as soon as the first airplanes took to the air in the early 1900s.
Jun 20, 2022 · Learn about the lives and achievements of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the inventors of the airplane. Discover how their family, education, and environment shaped their vision and work.
Dec 16, 2003 · Learn how Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first powered flight in 1903, defying skeptics and changing history. Read the details of their experiment, the witnesses, the camera, and the impact of their achievement.
Oct 31, 2022 · Learn about the remarkable story of how the duo grew to become world-changing inventors and international celebrities. See the original Wright Flyer and other artifacts at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.
