Unsophisticated Wright Flyer of 1903 foreshadowed enormous potential

摘要

The 1903 Flyer was an ingenious first prototype of a powered and controllable aeroplane. It made only four flights before it was damaged and placed in storage, but achieved its aims and demonstrated the soundness of its concept. Civil aviation has evolved into one of the world's most important and technologically advanced industries. Its achievements and significance are all the more remarkable considering that the first powered, sustained and controlled flight took place with the Wright Flyer only 100 years ago. All successful aeroplanes since that milestone of 1903 have incorporated the basic design elements of the first powered aircraft developed by the Wright Brothers. To commemorate the first century of powered flight, ICAO Journal examines the simple machine that heralded a new era. The following technical description of the 1903 Flyer has been reprinted from Flight International magazine.