"Internal combustion engine, Library of Congress"
Early Flight Pioneers
Early Combustion Engine
People started testing flying machines when they realized the potential time that would be saved by soaring over the earth. Various inventors started experimenting with flight. In 1860, Etienne Lenoir invented the internal combustion engine. Its lightweight and powerful build made it a popular choice when it came to designing planes.
“The motion of the engine was as smooth and silent as that of the best steam engine. No shock whatever was heard from the explosion.” ~ Etienne Lenoir, The Motor Museum in Miniature
Introduction of Gliders
Otto Lilienthal was a very successful glider tester because he made and tested multiple different innovative gliders before dying in 1896 when a gust of wind took him down with his glider. Shortly before the Wright Brothers, Samuel Langley made a lot of progress toward a powered heavier-than-air plane but it crashed and got destroyed before flying.
Otto Lilienthal expermental with a glider, 1895, Library of Congress
"One of Otto Linteal's Gliders, late 1800s, Library of Congress"
Otto Lilienthal expermental with a glider, 1895, Library of Congress
Inspiration for the Plane
Inspired by their flying childhood toys and the death of Otto Lilienthal, the Wright Brothers tried flight. They developed three full-size gliders working out more difficulties with each one. They included innovative steering design using a rudder instead of weight distribution, which previous inventors used. After the third glider, they were ready to make a heavier-than-air powered plane. On December 14th, 1903 the Wright Brothers attempted to test the plane, but it crashed before leaving the ground. It took one day to repair the extensive damage done to the plane. On December 16th there were very high wind speeds making another test impossible.
"Made about 17 glides. Found the machine less manageable than expected. The rudder too large. The center of pressure apparently about 30 inches back of front edge. In two glides lost all headway and sprang forward to regain control. Landed with machine from height of 18 feet"
~ Wilbur Wright in his July 27th, 1901 diary entry
Gliders of the Wright Brothers
"The Wright First Fully Functional Glider, 1902, Britannica"
Orville Wright flying his glider, 1911, Wilbur and Orville: A Biography of the Wright Brothers