Flight Handling Qualities of the Wright Brothers' 1905 Flyer 3

The success of the first powered, controlled flights at Kitty Hawk on 17 December 1903 was a breakthrough in aviation, substantiating the Wright brothers' research and design concepts. The years 1903-1905 represent a period wherein the Wrights evolved the design of their powered aircraft, culminating with the 1905 Flyer 3, which they were able fly significant distances. The 1905 Flyer 3 was the Wrights' first true practical design, flying 38.956 km in 39 min 23 s. This was to be their last flight for nearly two and half years while they tried to sell their invention to the governments of Europe and the United States. The engineering challenges faced by the Wright brothers are reflected on, and research studying the Wright aircraft using modern flight science techniques is reported. The methods used in developing simulation models of the Wright 1902 Glider and the 1903/1904 and 1905 powered aircraft are reported on, and their piloted simulations are assessed in real time. The Wrights' technological journey is one of systematic analysis and clear, methodical development. They developed practices recognizable to modern aeronautical engineers and were also the first true test pilots. The Wright brothers' achievements in this centenary of practical flight are studied and celebrated.