1909 Wright Military Flyer
The 1909 Wright Military Flyer is the world's first military airplane. In 1908, the U.S. Army Signal Corps sought competitive bids for a two-seat observation aircraft. Winning designs had to meet a number of specified performance standards. Flight trials with the Wrights' entry began at Fort Myer, Virginia, on September 3, 1908. After several days of successful flights, tragedy occurred on September 17, when Orville Wright crashed with Lt. Thomas E. Selfridge, the Army's observer, as his passenger. Orville survived with severe injuries, but Selfridge was killed, becoming the first fatality in a powered airplane.
On June 3, 1909, the Wrights returned to Fort Myer with a new airplane to complete the trials begun in 1908. Satisfying all requirements, the Army purchased the airplane for $30,000, and conducted flight training with it at nearby College Park, Maryland, and at Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio, Texas, in 1910. It was given to the Smithsonian in 1911.
Display Status
This object is on display in Early Flight at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Key Accomplishment(s)
World's First Military Airplane
Brief Description
In 1908, the U.S. Army Signal Corps sought competitive bids for a two-seat observation aircraft. During flight trials at Fort Myer, Virginia, the Wright brothers presented this airplane. Satisfying all requirements, the Army purchased the airplane for $30,000.
Date
1909
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
CRAFT-Aircraft
Manufacturer
Wright Brothers, Dayton, Ohio
Physical Description
Canard biplane with one 30-to-40-horsepower Wright vertical four-cylinder engine driving two pusher propellers via sprocket-and-chain transmission system. No wheels; skids for landing gear. Natural fabric finish; no sealant or paint of any kind.
Dimensions
Overall: 8.2 ft. × 29.2 ft. × 37.3 ft. (2.5m × 8.9m × 11.37m)
Weight: 334 kg (735 lb)
Materials
Airframe: Wood
Fabric Covering: Muslin
Alternate Name
1909 Wright Military Flyer
Inventory Number
A19120001000
Credit Line
Transferred from the U.S. War Department
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use.
