Wright Plane

Ohio History

Wright 1909 Flyer

This life-size reproduction was the next plane we found on display in the Early Years Gallery. It was built in 1909, already improved-upon from the original Kitty Hawk planes. This craft could stay airborne for up to an hour, and reach speeds of 42 mph--amazing for that time I'm sure. Sadly, it was also the first plane used by the U.S. Army, which purchased it for $30,000 in 1909. Thus began the development of military aircraft. Wilbur Wright actually used the plane to give flying lessons to several new pilots. It remained the only army plane in use for almost two years, when it was retired after several crashes and repairs.