What materials were primarily used to build the original 1903 Wright Flyer?
Answer
Wooden framing covered in muslin fabric
The original Wright Flyer relied on a combination of specific timber species for its structural frame and lightweight fabric for its aerodynamic surfaces. At the turn of the 20th century, manufacturing capabilities were limited, and the necessary metalworking techniques to create complex, lightweight shapes were either too costly or technologically unavailable. Builders relied on the strength and low density of wood and the tension of fabric coverings, which acted as a composite system providing the necessary shape and lift for flight.
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