Summary
This is the story of Wilbur and Orville Wright, two brothers from Dayton, Ohio, who against all odds, invented the airplane. Growing up in a close-knit, intellectually curious family, Wilbur and Orville were encouraged to think for themselves and pursue their interests. Wilbur was the studious one, Orville the more mechanically inclined. An early fascination with flight began with a toy helicopter their father brought home. However, tragedy struck when a hockey accident left Wilbur injured and depressed, leading to years of reclusion. During this time, he devoured books, while Orville started a printing business in their backyard.
Orville's bout with typhoid fever turned their attention to the work of Otto Lilienthal, a German glider enthusiast who had recently died in a crash. Inspired, Wilbur wrote to the Smithsonian Institution, requesting information on flight. This began their serious study of aeronautics. Drawing on the work of Lilienthal, Octave Chanute, and Louis Mouillard, and fueled by their own observations of birds in flight, they designed and built their own gliders, starting with a five-foot model tested in a field near Dayton.
Their experiments continued on the windswept dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Chosen for its consistent winds and isolation, Kitty Hawk provided the perfect proving ground. They flew their gliders as kites, then manned them themselves, learning about balance and control. Back in Dayton, they opened a bicycle shop, the profits from which funded their flying machine dream. Recognizing the limitations of existing aeronautical data, they built their own wind tunnel, meticulously testing wing designs, a groundbreaking step that set them apart. This led to the construction of their first powered aircraft, the 1903 Flyer.
In December 1903, at Kitty Hawk, the brothers made history. After a coin toss, Wilbur made the first successful flight of a heavier-than-air machine under its own power, lasting 12 seconds. Orville followed with longer flights, the longest lasting 59 seconds and covering 852 feet. Though largely ignored by the press, this marked the beginning of the air age.
Further experiments continued at Huffman Prairie, a cow pasture near Dayton, where they perfected their control system, adding a movable rudder. They developed a catapult to launch the Flyer in low winds. Their progress was finally noticed by a beekeeper, Amos Root, who wrote the first accurate account of their flights for his journal. This garnered some attention. They began receiving offers from governments and companies, eventually signing a contract with the French.
Wilbur travelled to France, where he faced skepticism and press scrutiny, demonstrating the Flyer's capabilities at Le Mans, stunning the world. He trained French pilots and received accolades, while Orville made history in the U.S. with record-breaking flights at Fort Myer. Tragedy struck when a crash severely injured Orville and killed his passenger. Katharine rushed to his side, showcasing her unwavering support.
Wilbur's triumphs in France continued, with flights at Pau captivating European royalty and demonstrating the Flyer’s potential. Katharine joined him, becoming a celebrity and advocating for her brothers. After Rome and London, the Wrights returned home to a hero's welcome in Dayton. Orville made further flights at Fort Myer, and Glenn Curtiss emerged as a rival.
The Wrights focused on manufacturing and legal battles over patents, fighting to protect their invention. They won numerous lawsuits but faced setbacks, including a falling-out with Octave Chanute. They dedicated themselves to ensuring their legacy. The brothers made one final, emotional flight together at Huffman Prairie, with their father joining them, marking a pinnacle of their shared dream. Their relentless dedication changed the world forever.