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8.35 The Wright Brothers (1867–1912,
1871–1948)
Wilbur Wright (1867–1912) and Orville Wright (1871–1948) were two
American inventors and aircraft makers. On December 17, 1903, they
completed the first fully controlled flight with external power attached to
the aircraft, and continued to stay in the air without landing. So they are
credited with “inventing the first airplane in the world". The Wright brothers
were well-educated, but none of them got a diploma. In 1892, the brothers
opened a bicycle repair shop and began to produce their own brand bicycles
in 1896. At the beginning of 1890, the Wright brothers began their mechanical aviation experiments. The image of the Wright brothers in front of the
public is always one; they share the achievements and honors of invention.
When the Wright brothers finished all the theoretical research, they began to
practice. Charlie Taylor, their bicycle assistant, became an important member
of the team, and the three worked together to build the first aircraft engine
(Fig. 8.35).
Fig. 8.35 Wilbur Wright (1867–1912, left); Orville Wright (1871–1948, right)