Existing comment:
1907: Specification for a Heavier-Than-Air Flying Machine:
Two years after the Wright brothers' successful flight at Kitty Hawk, Orville and Wilbur approached the US Government to see if they were interested in acquiring their aeroplane. The government was not interested.
It may seem surprising to us now to realize that even up until 1907, the Wright brothers had received little, if any, recognition for their invention. This may have been partially due to the fact that by late 1905, the Wrights had decided to make no further public demonstrations or provide photographs of their aeroplane to potential buyers,. They desired the US Government to have the first opportunity to utilize the aeroplane, so with the assistance of several interested individuals, they persisted in their correspondence with the War Department.
Finally, in late 1907, while in Europe, the Wrights received a letter requesting them to meet with US Army officials. This had been the Wrights' wish from the start.
Shortly before Thanksgiving, Wilbur Wright met with the Signal Corps to discuss the possibility of furnishing an aeroplane to the Army. Their discussions resulted in Signal Corps Specification No. 486 -- Advertisement and Specification for a Heavier-Than-Air Flying Machine.
Among other requirements, this machine was to be capable of carrying two people, have a speed of at least 40 mph, remain in the air for at least one hour, sustain flight for 125 miles, and be sufficiently easy to fly that a man of average intelligence could become proficient in its use within a reasonable amount of time!
The Wrights submitted a bid, along with 40 other "inventors." Only three of the bids actually compiled with the specifications. The lowest bidder, realizing he was out of his league, quickly withdrew his bid. The Wrights' bid was the highest of the two remaining bids. The Signal Corps had been so impressed with the confidence expressed by Wilbur during their meetings that they decided to accept both bids in order to include the Wrights' offer.
The Wright brothers were the only ones that were able to successfully supply a flying machine in the agreed amount of time. |