the 1902 wright glider (wilbur piloting) on 1 of test flights before replacement of fixed double rear vertical rudder single steerable rudder
the 1902 wright glider third free-flight glider built brothers. first glider incorporate yaw control use of rear rudder, , design led directly powered 1903 wright flyer.
the brothers designed 1902 glider during winter of 1901/02. wing design based on data extensive tests of miniature airfoils in homemade wind tunnel. built components of glider in dayton , completed assembly @ kill devil hills camp in september 1902. flights took place between 19 september , 24 october. new rear rudder improved turning control, several times pilot unable stop turning , collided ground. brothers decided make rear rudder steerable solve problem. modification, achieved true control , made between 700 , 1000 glides (as estimated brothers, did not keep detailed records). longest glide measured , timed @ 622.5 ft (189.7 m) in 26 seconds.
in september 1903 brought 1902 glider out of storage , made on 200 glides hone piloting skills while preparing powered flyer. 1 of photographs shows installed second vertical fin part of steerable rear rudder, matching original design , of powered flyer s twin rear rudder. glider last flown in november 1903. after successful powered flights, put glider in storage @ camp before returning home christmas. when next visited kitty hawk in 1908 test improved flyer iii, outer banks weather had taken toll: storage shed , glider inside wrecked.
today salvaged piece of wingtip 1902 glider preserved @ national air , space museum few feet 1903 wright flyer.
specifications
source: 1902 wright glider - national air , space museum
general characteristics
crew: 1
length: 16 ft 1 in (4.9 m)
wingspan: 32 ft 1 in (9.8 m)
height: 8 ft (2.4 m)
wing area: 305 ft² (28.3 m²)
empty weight: 117 lb (53 kg)
performance
Comments
Post a Comment