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Samuel Pierpont Langley became the third Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in 1887. In 1891, he began experiments with large, tandem-winged models powered by small steam and gasoline engines he called aerodromes. After several failures with designs that were too fragile and under-powered to sustain themselves, Langley had his first genuine success on May 6, 1896, with his Aerodrome Number 5. It made the world's first successful flight of an unpiloted, engine-driven, heavier-than-air craft of substantial size. Two flights were made on May 6, one of 1,005 m (3,300 ft) and a second of 700 m (2,300 ft), at a speed of approximately 40 kph (25 mph). On November 28, 1896, another successful flight was made with a similar model, the Aerodrome Number 6. It was flown a distance of approximately 1,460 m (4,790 ft). In appearance, the Number 6 was much like the Number 5, except for having rounded wing tips.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details
Date 1896 Country of Origin United States of America Type CRAFT-Aircraft Manufacturer Smithsonian Institution
Physical Description Unpiloted, tandem-wing experimental aircraft built and tested by Samuel P. Langley. One one-horsepower, one-cylinder steam engine turning two pusher propellers via geared transmission system. Silk covering. Natural fabric finish; no sealant or paint of any kind. Dimensions Wingspan: 4.2 m (13 ft 9 in)
Length: 4.0 m (13 ft 2 in)
Height: 1.3 m (4 ft 3 in)
Weight: 11.4 kg (25 lb)
Materials Fuselage: Steel Tubing
Wings and Tail: Wood with Silk Covering
Inventory Number A19050002000 Credit Line Transferred from the Smithsonian Institution to the United States National Museum. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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