Breaking Barriers to Higher Heights

Research and Hypothesizing

"We knew that the Smithsonian Institution had been interested in some work on the problem of flight and, accordingly, on the 30th of May 1899, my brother Wilbur wrote a letter to the Smithsonian inquiring about publications on the subject."

~ Wilbur Wright

"Dear Sirs:

I have been interested in the problem of mechanical and human flight ever since as a boy I constructed a number of bats after the style of Cayley's and Penaud's machines. My observations since have only convinced me more firmly that human flight is possible and practicable... I wish to avail myself of all that is already known and then if possible add my might to help  the future worker who will attain final success..."
~ Wilbur Wright

The works and experimentations of Cayley, among others, greatly contributed to the Wrights’ success. ​​​​​​Through research, the brothers reasoned that the mystery of flight lied in wing shape, power and propulsion, and controlling the plane's motion.

Conducting Experiements

The Wright brothers built a wind tunnel and model wings to test wing behavior in a flight environment. Through this, they calculated the minimum wing size necessary for lift, the power their engine would need to produce, and evaluated propeller performance.

Drawing Conclusions

The brothers believed the plane required three axes of motion. An elevator controls the pitch axis, lowering or increasing altitude. A vertical rudder at the aircraft's rear controls the yaw axis, steering it left or right. They created the concept of wing warping to control the roll axis, the plane's ability to rotate, after observing flying buzzards curving their wings for balance.

Applying New Knowledge for Flight