1903 Wright Flyer Stats

Exterior Dimensions:

Wing Span: 40 ft. 4 in.

Overall Length: 21 ft. 1 in.

Wing Chord: 6 ft. 6 in.

Height over Wings: 8 ft. 1 in.

Height over sweep of props: 9 ft. 4 in.

Wing Incidence: 3 degrees 25 minutes


Surface Areas:

Wing Area: 518 sq. ft.

Canard Area: 48 sq. ft.

Rudder Area: 20 sq. ft.


Weights:

Weight Without Pilot: 605 lbs.

Loaded Weight: 750 lbs. approx.

Engine Weight w/Fuel: 200 lbs. approx.

Powerplant: 12 BHP 4-cylinder water-cooled engine lying on its side and driving 2 - 8 ft. 6 in. diameter propellers by chains, one of which was crossed to achieve counter-rotation.


Loadings:

Wing Loading: 1.47 lb./sq. ft.

Engine Loading: 62.5 lb./hp.


Flight Characteristics:

Speed: 30 mph approx.

Launching Method: The Flyer took off under its own power from a dolly which ran on two bicycle hubs along a 60 ft. wooden rail.