When the Wrights were developing their flyer at the turn of the century, many other inventors were also exploring the same field, working on their own flying machines. Some of their ideas were very different.
Pierpont Langley
Pierpont Langley, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, nearly beat the Wrights and caused them to work harder and faster. His giant "Aerodrome" was 55 feet long and 48 feet wide, and an attempt to fly this machine on December 8, 1903 ended in failure and led to Langley's public humiliation that discouraged further attempts.
Incredibly, the original Langley aerodrome was restored by Glenn Curtiss and flown successfully at a distance of 10 miles in 30 minutes. This means that Langley actually built a working flying machine before the Wrights, which the Smithsonain Institution acknowledged. However, Orville Wright insisted that the museum change the label that credits Langley's invention.
LANGLEY AERODROME OF 1903 -- RESTORED
"In the opinion of many competent to judge, this was the first heavier-than-air craft in the history of the world capable of sustained free flight, under its own power, carrying a man. This aircraft antedated the machine designed and built by Wilbur and Orville Wright, which, on December 17, 1903, was the first in the history of the world to accomplish free flight, under its own power, carrying a man." (Carpenter, Jack p.368)
Alexander Graham Bell
Another famous competitor was Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone. For many years, Bell tried to perfect a flying machine based on "tetrahedral kites" -- a series of triangular cells that were supposed to provide lift.
Although Bell patented his design in 1904, it never really worked. However, Bell formed the "Aerial Experiment Association" (AEA) on September 30, 1907. This was a group of 5 talented individuals, including Glenn Curtiss who would succeed in a spectacular way.
LANGLEY AERODROME OF 1903 -- RESTORED
"In the opinion of many competent to judge, this was the first heavier-than-air craft in the history of the world capable of sustained free flight, under its own power, carrying a man. This aircraft antedated the machine designed and built by Wilbur and Orville Wright, which, on December 17, 1903, was the first in the history of the world to accomplish free flight, under its own power, carrying a man." (Carpenter, Jack p.368)
Alexander Graham Bell
Another famous competitor was Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone. For many years, Bell tried to perfect a flying machine based on "tetrahedral kites" -- a series of triangular cells that were supposed to provide lift.
Glenn H. Curtiss
On July 4, 1908, Glenn H. Curtiss made the "First Official Flight in the Western Hemisphere."
Curtiss went on to invent the hydroplane, and proved to be a major force in the development of aviation -- and he was continually battling the Wright brothers in court.
The Wrights always argued that Curtiss was stealing their ideas, when their plans were, in reality, very different. Curtiss' flyer was many times more efficient as well.
David Fairchild's description of the "first official flight" by Curtiss
"Suddenly the group of people around the machine scattered into the fields. Curtiss climbed into the seat in front of the yellow wings, the assistant turned over the narrow wooden propeller, there was a sharp loud whirr and a cloud of dust and smoke as the blades of the propeller churned in the air... The men holding the gigantic bird let go. It started down the track on its rubber-tired wheels going faster and faster. Then, before we realized what it was doing, it glided upward into the air and bore down upon us at the rate of 30 miles an hour. Nearer and nearer it came like a gigantic ochre-colored condor carrying its prey. Soon the thin, strong features of the man, his bare outstretched arms with hands on the steering wheel, his legs on the bar in front, riveted our attention. Hemmed in by bars and wires, with a 40-horse-power engine exploding behind him leaving a trail of smoke and with a whirling propeller cutting the air 1200 times a minute, he sailed with 40 feet of outstretched wings 20 feet above our heads."
Curtiss won the first leg of the Scientific American Trophy with this, the "First Official Flight in the Western Hemisphere." (Carpenter, Jack p.169)
And Others
There were many French pioneers who followed the Wrights' experiments, wanting to surpass them in success. Henri Farman was the first of these inventors to translate the "hops" of early French flights into real ones.
Avion Verdon Roe, a great British pioneer who was the creator of the Avro company.
Louis Bleriot adopted the tractor monoplane which made him world famous. He also flew across the English Channel in 1909.
Next: Their Patent Battles
