Wright Military Flyer: Image courtesy of the National Air and Space Museum
On Aug. 1, 1907, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. James Allen established the Aeronautical Division of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, the first heavier-than-air military aviation organization in history. Finally, airplanes had their own division and funding, but the U.S. military required specific capabilities.
Wright Military Flyer arriving at Ft. Myer, VA, 1 September 1908: Image courtesy of Wikipedia
"This division will have charge of all matters pertaining to military ballooning, air machines, and all kindred subjects"
~ James Allen, 1907, Brigadier General, Signal Corps
Full Signal Corps Specification: Image courtesy of the Wright Brothers Organization
"What the Wright brothers did with their military flyer was just the beginning of what unfolded in the next 20 years for World War I."
~ Steve Loranger, Naval Aviator and Aerospace CEO
On December 23, 1907, the Signal Corps issued Specification No. 486 for a heavier-than-air flying machine and requested bids. The specifications were sent to the Wrights. They were strict and nearly impossible with the existing technology. Now, the race was on, and the Wright brothers got hard at work creating their military flyer.
Blueprints for the First Military Flyer, 1909: Image courtesy of the Ohio Mempry Collection
After over a year of work, the Wrights finished the Wright Military Flyer. This airplane had a shorter wingspan, longer propellers, was set higher off the ground, and had a different gear ratio compared to the original Wright Flyer.
Test flights began on June 29, 1909. The military flyer had passed every test set by the Signal Corps. On July 30, 1909, Orville flew the last test - the speed test. The aircraft averaged a speed of 42.58 MPH. They had done it. The Wright Military Flyer was the first airplane for military use. It became a foundation for all future military aircraft.
"Value in Warfare shown" Evening Star, July 31, 1909: Image courtesy of Chronicling America
"Wright Aeroplane Wins Large Bonus" Evening Star, July 31, 1909: Image courtesy of Chronicling America
10% deposit to submit a bid for the Military Flyer: Image courtsey of the Alexandar Historical Auctions
The importance of the Wright Military Flyer. Video courtesy of U.S. Department of Defense