Airplanes 1910-1919

Wright Model B (1911-1914) by the Wright Brothers

Wright Model B being assembled in the Wright Company factory

Origin: the Model B was the Wright brothers' most successful aircraft. It was produced from late 1910 to 1914. The Wright Company (in Ohio) was shipping four Model Bs a month out the factory door. It had major influences from the Wright Brothers’ first aircrafts, seeing as though it was there company. The Model B used the same control system, engine, propellers, air foil, and wing configuration as what their previous aircraft hd.

Purpose: The Model B was invented and produced mainly for the government to use. In 1917, when USA joined WWI, these airplanes was supposed to give  them an advantage. In the beginning of the war, the aircrafts were used as basic surveillance; however by the end, they were used to drop bombs. Overall, the Model B was stronger, easier to control, easier to launch, and slightly faster than earlier Wright aircrafts.

Value: The Wrights had hoped the new design would re-establish their technological leadership in aeronautics. Using these Model Bs, the government was able to use it as freight, attach weaponry to it, use it for people to parachute of it, and even transport the president.:

Limitations: The rear elevator made the aircraft more controllable in pitch, but it also made it tail-heavy and prone to stall. The numerous wires required to brace the outriggers added drag. Despite the numbers produced and the popularity of the aircraft, only one Wright Model B has survived intact. This shows how at the time they were amazing technological advanced, they did not last long.


Sources:
1. http://www.wright-b-flyer.org/
2. http://learn.fi.edu/wright/1911/