World Celebrates 120th Anniversary of Wright Brothers’ First Flight
December 17, 2023 – The world is celebrating the 120th anniversary of the first flight of man committed by the brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright. Orville and Wilbur Wright, owners of a bicycle store from Ohio, were the first to create a stable and controlled aircraft. Their 12-second flight on a motor aircraft, called “Wright Flyer”, laid the foundation for the new era of aviation and research that radically changed the world.
The Wright brothers were not pioneers in the field of aircraft creation, but they were the ones who achieved success in creating a stable and controlled aircraft that could take off, fly, and land under their own power. They invented a three-axle control system that allowed the device to control the apparatus, changing the angle of wings, the steering wheel, and the elevator. With their own hands, the brothers developed the engine and propellers, utilizing their mechanical skills and knowledge in aerodynamics.
Four flights were made on December 17, 1903, in Kill-Deville Hills, North Caroline, each of which was longer and faster than the previous one, becoming a historical event. The longest flight lasted 59 seconds and covered a distance of 852 feet. After the fourth flight, the Wright Flyer was damaged by a gust of wind and no longer flew but was preserved and restored by Orville Wright. It is currently displayed in the National Museum of Aviation and Cosmonautics in Washington.
The Wright brothers continued to improve their planes, garnering public attention and recognition. However, they faced competition and disputes from other aviators who claimed to have flown earlier or better. They patented their invention and engaged in legal battles to protect their rights. Additionally, they established a company for the production and sale of aircraft and provided pilot training.
Their invention launched a revolution in aviation, altering the course of history. Within a few years, aircraft began serving military, commercial, and entertainment purposes, presenting new opportunities and challenges for humanity.
The flight of the Wright brothers inspired generations of astronauts who ventured into space and explored other worlds.