The third in a series of gliders leading up to their powered airplane, the 1902 glider was the Wright brothers' most advanced yet. Reflecting their single, evolving design, it was again a biplane with a canard (forward) surface for pitch control and wing-warping for lateral control. But its longer, narrower wings, elliptical elevator, and vertical tail gave it a much more graceful, elegant appearance.

Like the 1901 glider, this one also had a spruce and ash framework supported within pockets sewn into its muslin fabric covering. The fabric was again applied on the bias (the direction of the weave at a 45-degree angle). The wings were rigged with a slight downward droop to counteract side-slipping due to crosswinds.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age
Object Details
Type CRAFT-Aircraft Owner Rick Young
 Dimensions Wingspan: 9.8 m (32 ft)
Wing area: 28.3 sq m (305 sq ft)
Length: 4.9 m (16 ft 1 in)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Weight: 53 kg (117 lb)
 Materials Wood
Fabric
Metal
 Inventory Number I20031236001 Credit Line On Loan from Rick Young, Richmond, VA Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.