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Airshows by
Wright Brothers Enterprises
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Our Displays
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Photo & Interactive Displays
Our photo display traces the development of manned aviation with over 100 period photos, original quotes, and brief narratives. Included in the display are the first successful flights of Otto Lilienthal, the spectacular failures of Samuel Langley and Sir Hiriam Maxim, and the inspirational work of Octave Chanute. Several panels detail the work of Wilbur and Orville Wright, as well as the Kitty Hawk Surfmen, and locals who served as the Wrights' assistants. Another panel describes ladies' fashions through period photos and catalog pages, while the final panel gives an overview of life in America in 1902. Display panels are based on a two foot high by four foot wide planform and are rated for all weather. Currently they stretch 40 linear feet and encircle the front half of our exhibit area.
Our spectator-interactive display features materials samples taken directly from the reproduction 1902 glider. This display allows spectators to touch parts of a pioneer-era flying machine without risk of injury, or damage to the machine. Many spectators are amazed by the difference between their conception of the materials used, and the actual materials themselves. Our display includes samples of the Sitka spruce spars, white ash ribs, laminated wingtips, and cotton muslin fabric, as well as steel rigging wire, and the waxed linen cord used to lash most of the airframe together. Photos from the construction of our 1902 glider are also included.
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1901 Wright Bicycle Experiment
In the fall of 1901, Wilbur and Orville Wright had a big problem. Both their 1900 and 1901 flying machines flew half as well as predicted by the available aerodynamic data. Since Wilbur was convinced that his experimental data was accurate, he began to doubt the data compiled by other experts in the field of aviation; data which the Wrights had relied upon to design their flying machines. The problem was assumed to be a critical constant known as Smeaton's coefficient. Wilbur and Orville soon devised a simple experiment to test the accuracy of this coefficient. They mounted a bicycle wheel horizontally on a spar projecting forward of the handlebars of one of their bicycles. Attached to the horizontal wheel were a flat steel plate measuring 8"x12", and a Lilienthal-curve airfoil measuring 8"x18". By riding the bicycle at high speeds, air would simultaneously push on the plate and create lift on the airfoil, causing the wheel to rotate. By measuring the angle of rotation, the brothers concluded that the 50-year old Smeaton coefficient was incorrect.
While no photos of this experiment exist, our replica was built to the specifications and descriptions in the Wrights' notebooks. Many of its parts were modified from modern and vintage bicycles, however the test apparatus itself was hand-fabricated. It was tested in March 2007 and produced similar scientific results. The replica bicycle will be featured in our 2007 performances, and may be ridden space permits.
Please note: period correct wheels have been ordered and will be installed before the bicycle is exhibited.
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Wright Brothers Enterprises
Frederick, CO
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