Wright Flyer.

[Nat Penton]

The Wright Flier was unstable in pitch, according to the pundits, and it was also unstable laterally. This would have made it difficult for them to solve the CG problem with models. Did they try ? From a stability and controll standpoint the Bleriot XI ( crossed the Channel in 1909 ) sure appears advanced. What were the Wrights doing in 1909 ?      Nat Penton
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Rcmaster199 at aol.com 
  To: discussion at nsrca.org 
  Sent: Friday, December 19, 2003 11:45 PM
  Subject: Re: Wright Flyer.


  I'm with you on every point EdM. I would add this: 99.9% of invention is evolutionary in nature. Although no invention is miniscule in its discovery, subtle but critical changes on great work already done by others is the norm for nearly all inventions. The operative word is "nearly"

  The remainder 0.1% is trully revolutionary, and affects every one of us in a most fundamental way. Such was the Wright Flyer. 

  There is considerable evidence that Gustav Whitehead was first to "fly" a powered airplane. But only as a passenger, a couple inches off the deck for a few feet, straight ahead. This was not a small accomplishment but, he had not invented the method for controlling the plane. But the Wrights did invent the method of control and in the process, they taught us all to fly.

  One more thing: Glenn Curtis was only a half step behind the Wrights. Had they been unsuccessful, there is little doubt he would have done it very shortly after. And the French were only a half step behind Mr Curtis.

  Matt K


    Subj:Re: Wright Flyer. 
    Date:12/19/2003 5:17:40 AM Eastern Standard Time
    From:edbon85 at optonline.net
    Reply-to:discussion at nsrca.org
    To:discussion at nsrca.org
    Sent from the Internet 



    The spirit and intent was and is to replicate the Wright Flyer, and hopefully that historic moment of flight to the exact detail on the history making 100th anniversary. Sure, 100 years later even a bunch of ARF building modelers can think of ways to improve the Wright Flyer, but that isn't the point of this exercise. Without the Wright Flyer and the vision and determination of the Wright brothers, we might not be here to arm chair quarterback this. This team of  "pilots and carpenters" 100 years later possess the skills, determination and most importantly the desire to try and re-create one of the most significant events in human history. Re-creating the Wright Flyer down to the level and detail this team has including building a replication of the original engine, surely displays this team engineering prowess. The Wright Brothers did not have 100 years of aeronautical theory and design to fall back on, every step forward they took was a step into un-chartered waters and we today reap the benefits of their dedication and perseverance. This team approached this monumental task with the same mindset. 
    When the wind and humidity is right and lady luck is on their side ( exactly what the Wright brothers had 100 years ago ), they will successfully fly the Wright Flyer re-creation. 
    Everything you enjoy about flight came from the Wright Flyer and the vision of the Wright Brothers. 
    Pay the team 100 years later the respect they deserve in trying to bring to all of us that magic moment.
    Ed M.



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