World’s First Aeroplan History, Specs, and Current Value
The first airplane was invented by Orville and Wilbur Wright, known as the Wright brothers. They were American inventors and flying pioneers.
- First Flight Date: December 17, 1903
- Location: Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, USA
- Flight Duration: 12 seconds
- Distance Covered: 36.5 meters (120 feet)
The Wright brothers built their aircraft after years of testing with gliders and performance aerodynamics. They also created the first-ever aircraft control system, allowing the pilot to steer the plane during flight.
Specifications of the Wright Flyer (First Airplane)
The Wright Flyer, also known as the Flyer I, was a lightweight, wood-and-fabric aircraft powered by a small gasoline engine.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Name | Wright Flyer (Flyer I) |
| Inventors | Orville & Wilbur Wright |
| First Flight Date | December 17, 1903 |
| Weight | 274 kg (605 lbs) |
| Wingspan | 12.3 meters (40 feet 4 inches) |
| Length | 6.4 meters (21 feet) |
| Height | 2.8 meters (9 feet 3 inches) |
| Engine | 12-horsepower, 4-cylinder gasoline engine |
| Material Used | Wood, canvas fabric, and aluminum |
| Top Speed | 48 km/h (30 mph) |
| Flight Time | 12-59 seconds (during early tests) |
The Wright Flyer had a dual-wing design, a rear-mounted propeller, and a three-axis control system, which allowed the pilot to change direction.
How Much Did the First Airplane Cost?
The Wright Flyer was built in 1903 for $1,000 (equal to around $35,000 today).
The Wright brothers financed their experiments using money from their bicycle repair business in Ohio.
How Much Is the First Airplane Worth Today?
- The original Wright Flyer is priceless because it is a historic artifact. It is permanently displayed at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
- If an original model or a verified replica were to be sold today, it could be worth millions of dollars due to its historical significance.
Early aviation artifacts, like Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, are valued at over $10 million. A genuine Wright Flyer replica has been auctioned for over $1 million.
Impact and Legacy of the Wright Flyer
- By 1914, airplanes were used in World War I for reconnaissance and combat.
- By 1920, passenger airlines began operating.
- By 1969, the Apollo 11 mission took humans to the moon, all thanks to early flying pioneers.
